Methods, systems, and compositions for counting nucleic acid molecules

ABSTRACT

Compositions and methods, systems, and kits for detecting and quantifying variations in numbers of molecules, particularly variations in gene dosage, e.g., due to gene duplication, or to variations from the normal euploid complement of chromosomes, e.g., trisomy of one or more chromosomes that are normally found in diploid pairs, without digital sequencing.

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/651,676, filed Apr. 2, 2018, and 62/660,699, filed Apr. 20, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The text of the computer readable sequence listing filed herewith, titled “36313-US-3-ORD_ST25”, created Jan. 15, 2021, having a file size of 3,000 bytes, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for determining numbers of copies of individual molecules, such as nucleic acid molecules, without digital sequencing. The technologies find use, for example, in analysis of variations in copy numbers of specific nucleic acids sequences that may arise, e.g., from variations in chromosome number, gene copy number, expression level, etc. The technologies find particular application in genetic screening, e.g., prenatal testing, particularly for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). NIPT is directed to the analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from a fetus that circulates in the blood of a woman carrying the fetus in utero. Analysis of cell-free DNA in maternal blood can be used to assess the health of the fetus. The technology herein relates to methods, systems, and kits for detecting and quantifying variations in numbers of molecules, particularly variations in gene dosage, e.g., due to gene duplication, or to variations from the normal euploid complement of chromosomes, e.g., trisomy of one or more chromosomes that are normally found in diploid pairs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Detection of the presence of, or variations in the numbers of molecules in a sample is a useful way of characterizing the sample and the source of the sample. For example, variations in gene dosage are clinically significant indicators of disease states, e.g., in a subject from whom a sample is collected. Variations in gene dosage arise due to errors in DNA replication and can occur in germ line cells, leading to congenital defects and even embryonic demise, or in somatic cells, often resulting in cancer. These replication anomalies can cause deletion or duplication of parts of genes, full-length genes and their surrounding regulatory regions, megabase-long portions of chromosomes, or entire chromosomes. Analysis of other biomolecules is also clinically important. For example, variations in amounts of RNA or protein may indicate changes in expression of a gene associated with a disease state. While embodiments of the technology provided herein are discussed in relation particular applications, e.g., measuring DNA, it will be appreciated that the technology is not limited to these applications, and that it is readily adapted to analysis of many different types of molecules or moieties capable of binding to a partner molecule in a specific manner, e.g., antigens with antibodies, nucleic acids with complementary nucleic acids, nucleic acid structures (e.g., stem-loops, bulged nucleotides, flaps, promoter sequences) with proteins that bind such structures, lectins with carbohydrates, proteins with protein binding partners, proteins with lipids (e.g., SH2 domains with lipids), etc.

Chromosomal abnormalities can affect either the number or structure of chromosomes. Conditions wherein cells, tissues, or individuals have one or more whole chromosomes or segments of chromosomes either absent, or in addition to the normal euploid complement of chromosomes can be referred to as aneuploidy. Germline replication errors due to chromosome non-disjunction result in either monosomies (one copy of an autosomal chromosome instead of the usual two or only one sex chromosome) or trisomies (three copies). Such events, when they do not result in outright embryonic demise, typically lead to a broad array of disorders often recognized as syndromes, e.g., trisomy 21 and Down's syndrome, trisomy 18 and Edward's syndrome, and trisomy 13 and Patau's syndrome. Structural chromosome abnormalities affecting parts of chromosomes arise due to chromosome breakage, and result in deletions, inversions, translocations or duplications of large blocks of genetic material. These events are often as devastating as the gain or loss of the entire chromosome and can lead to such disorders as Prader-Willi syndrome (del 15q11-13), retinoblastoma (del 13q14), Cri du chat syndrome (del 5p), and others listed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,740, herein incorporated in its entirety by reference.

Major chromosomal abnormalities are detected in nearly 1 of 140 live births and in a much higher fraction of fetuses that do not reach term or are still-born. Hsu (1998) Prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities through amniocentesis. In: Milunsky A, editor. Genetic Disorders and the Fetus. 4 ed. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press. 179-180; Staebler et al. (2005) “Should determination of the karyotype be systematic for all malformations detected by obstetrical ultrasound?” Prenat Diagn 25: 567-573. The most common aneuploidy is trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), which currently occurs in 1 of 730 births. Hsu; Staebler et al. Though less common than trisomy 21, trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) and trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) occur in 1 in 5,500 and 1 in 17,200 live births, respectively. Hsu. A large variety of congenital defects, growth deficiencies, and intellectual disabilities are found in children with chromosomal aneuploidies, and these present life-long challenges to families and societies. Jones (2006) Smith's recognizable patterns of human malformation. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders. There are a variety of prenatal tests that can indicate increased risk for fetal aneuploidy, including invasive diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, which are the current gold standard but are associated with a non-negligible risk of fetal loss. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2007) ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 88, December 2007. Invasive prenatal testing for aneuploidy. Obstet Gynecol 110: 1459-1467. More reliable, non-invasive tests for fetal aneuploidy have therefore long been sought. The most promising of these are based on the detection of fetal DNA in maternal plasma. It has been demonstrated that massively parallel sequencing of libraries generated from maternal plasma can reliably detect chromosome 21 abnormalities. See, e.g., Chiu et al., Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal aneuploidy by massively parallel genomic sequencing of DNA in maternal plasma. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105:20458-20463 (2008); Fan et al., Noninvasive diagnosis of fetal aneuploidy by shotgun sequencing DNA from maternal blood. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105: 16266-16271 (2008). See also U.S. Pat. No. 7,888,017.

Current methods for quantifying variations in numbers of molecules, for example performing aneuploidy screening, that rely on next generation sequencing (NGS) are often time-consuming, expensive, and require extensive bioinformatics analysis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compositions, methods, and systems for the detection and characterization of samples by counting particular molecules (e.g., small molecules, haptens, proteins, antibodies, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, such as genes or other DNA molecules or fragments, and/or RNAs, e.g., messenger RNAs, microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs) that may be represented in the samples. The technology finds application, for example, in monitoring gene expression, measuring non-coding RNA abundance, and in analyzing genetic variations, including but not limited to alterations in gene dosage, such as, e.g., aneuploidy. In preferred embodiments, the technology provides methods for detecting and thereby counting single copies of target molecules, including nucleic acids, without the use of “next gen” sequencing (NGS) technologies, such as those described by Chiu et al. and Fan, et al., supra, or on single-molecule amplification technologies that rely on separating amplification reactions for individual target molecules in different physically discrete elements, e.g., micro-vessels or emulsion droplets.

In general, these compositions, methods, and systems offer improved means to detect genomic deletions and duplications of various sizes, including complete chromosomes, arms of chromosomes, microscopic deletions and duplications, submicroscopic deletions and deletions, and single nucleotide features, including single nucleotide polymorphisms, deletions, and insertions. In certain embodiments, the methods of the disclosure can be used to detect sub-chromosomal genetic lesions, e.g., microdeletions. Exemplary applications of the methods include pediatric and prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidy, testing for product of conception or risk of premature abortion, noninvasive prenatal testing (both qualitative and quantitative genetic testing, such as detecting Mendelian disorders, insertions/deletions, and chromosomal imbalances), testing preimplantation genetics, tumor characterization, postnatal testing including cytogenetics, and mutagen effect monitoring.

In some embodiments, the technology herein provides methods for characterizing nucleic acid, preferably DNA, more preferably circulating cell-free DNA from blood or plasma, in a sequence-specific and quantitative manner. In preferred embodiments, single copies of the DNA are detected and counted, without polymerase chain reaction or DNA sequencing. Embodiments of the technology provide methods, compositions, and systems for detecting target DNA using methods for amplifying signals that are indicative of the presence of the target DNA in the sample. In preferred embodiments, the detectable signal from a single target molecule is amplified to such an extent and in such a manner that the signal derived from the single target molecule is detectable and identifiable, in isolation from signal from other targets and from other copies of the target molecule.

In some embodiments, the technology provides a method for counting target molecules on a solid support, comprising forming at least one complex comprising an oligonucleotide primer hybridized to a circularized nucleic acid probe, wherein the primer is bound to a solid support, and detecting formation of the at least one complex in a process comprising: i) extending the primer in the complex in a rolling circle amplification (RCA) reaction to form RCA product; ii) hybridizing a plurality of labeled probes to the RCA product; and iii) detecting hybridized labeled probe, wherein hybridized labeled probe is indicative of the presence of the target molecule on the solid support. In some embodiments, the solid support comprises a silanized surface, preferably a surface comprising glass.

In some embodiments, the technology provides a method for counting target molecules on a solid support, comprising: a) providing a silanized surface comprising at least one of acrylic groups and reactive amine groups; b) forming a plurality of complexes on the glass surface, the plurality of complexes comprising at least one of an RCA product comprising a plurality of hybridized labeled probes and a double-stranded scaffold product comprising a plurality of concatemerized labeled scaffold oligonucleotides, wherein formation of a complex is indicative of the presence of a target molecule on the glass surface, and wherein forming said plurality of complexes comprises exposing the glass surface to a solution comprising graphene oxide; and c) counting the plurality of complexes. In some embodiments, the silanized surface is glass. In certain preferred embodiments, the silanized surface comprises a surface treated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane or 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate.

The surfaces are not limited to any particular format. For example, in any of the embodiments of described above, the solid support may comprise a surface in an assay plate, preferably a glass-bottom assay plate. In some embodiments, the assay plate is a multi-well assay plate, preferably a microtiter plate.

In some embodiments of the technology, the primer of any of the embodiments described above is bound directly to the solid support, preferably covalently linked to the solid support. For example, in some embodiments, the primer comprises a biotin moiety and the solid support comprises avidin, preferably streptavidin. In certain embodiments, the complex or complexes comprise an antibody bound to an antigen or hapten, and in some embodiments, the complex comprises an antigen or hapten bound directly to the solid support. In certain embodiments, the antigen or hapten is covalently attached to the solid support.

In any of the embodiments described herein, forming a complex or plurality of complexes may comprise exposing the solid support to a solution comprising a crowding agent. In some embodiments, the crowding agent comprises polyethylene glycol (PEG), preferably at least 2 to 10% (w:v), preferably at least 12%, preferably at least 14%, preferably at least 16%, preferably at least 18% to 20% PEG. In certain preferred embodiments, the PEG has an average molecular weight between 200 and 8000, preferably between 200 and 1000, preferably between 400 and 800, preferably 600.

In any of the embodiments described above, forming a complex or plurality of complexes may comprise comprising a step of exposing the solid support to a solution comprising graphene oxide. In preferred embodiments, the solid support is exposed to graphene oxide prior to step detecting hybridized labeled probe. In particularly preferred embodiments, the solid support is exposed to a solution that comprises a mixture of labeled probe and graphene oxide. In some embodiments, the solid support or the glass surface exposed to a solution comprising graphene oxide is washed with a solution comprising detergent prior to the detecting or counting. In certain preferred embodiments, the detergent comprises Tween 20.

The technology finds use in detecting many different kinds of molecules, including, e.g., molecules as depicted schematically in FIG. 38. In some embodiments, a target molecule comprises nucleic acid, preferably DNA from a sample from a subject, preferably a blood or blood product sample. In certain preferred embodiments, the DNA is cell-free DNA from a blood or blood product sample. In some embodiments, the cell-free DNA comprises maternal and/or fetal DNA from a maternal blood sample.

Any of the embodiments described herein above may comprise forming an RCA product in a process comprises extending a primer on a circularized nucleic acid probe in a reaction mixture, the reaction mixture comprising at least 0.2 units per μL, preferably at least 0.8 units per μL of Phi29 DNA polymerase and at least 400 μM, preferably at least 600 μM, more preferably at least 800 μM total dNTPs. In some embodiments, forming an RCA product comprising a plurality of hybridized labeled probes comprises forming the RCA product in a reaction mixture that further comprises more than 100 nM molecular beacon probe, preferably at least 1000 nM molecular beacon probe in the reaction mixture.

In certain embodiments of the technology provided herein, a plurality of RCA products hybridized to labeled probes are immobilized on the solid support in a dispersal, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of the RCA products are individually detectable by detection of the labels. In some embodiments the dispersal of RCA products is irregular, while in some embodiments, the dispersal of RCA products is in an addressable array.

In any of the embodiments described herein, complexes immobilized on a surface may comprise an at least one polypeptide, e.g., an antibody, and/or they may comprise at least one specifically-bindable molecule selected from a hapten, a lectin, and a lipid.

In some embodiments, the at least one labeled probe of the technology described herein comprises a fluorescent label, while in some embodiments, the at least one labeled probe comprises a quencher moiety. In certain preferred embodiments, the at least one labeled probe comprises a fluorophore and a quencher moiety. In preferred embodiments, the at least one labeled probe is a molecular beacon probe.

In some embodiments of the technology, a plurality of RCA products are hybridized to labeled probes that all comprise the same label, while in some embodiments, a plurality of RCA products are hybridized to labeled probes that comprise two or more different labels, preferably two or more different fluorescent dyes.

Embodiments of the technology are not limited to any particular means of detecting or counting complexes bound to a surface. In some embodiments, the detecting or counting comprise detecting fluorescence. In certain preferred embodiments, the detecting or counting comprises fluorescence microscopy, while in some embodiments, detecting or counting comprises flow cytometry.

In some embodiments of the technology, forming an RCA product comprises incubating the reaction mixture at at least 37° C., preferably at least 42° C., preferably at least 45° C. In certain embodiments, the reaction mixture comprises PEG, preferably at least 2 to 10% (w:v), preferably at least 12%, preferably at least 14%, preferably at least 16%, preferably at least 18% to 20% PEG.

The technology also provides compositions related to practice of the methods. In some embodiments, the technology provides a composition comprising a silanized surface bound to a plurality of complexes, each comprising an oligonucleotide primer hybridized to a circularized nucleic acid probe, wherein the primer is bound to a solid support, and a reaction mixture comprising at least 0.2 units per μL, preferably at least 0.8 units per μL of Phi29 DNA polymerase; a buffer; at least 400 μM, preferably at least 600 μM, more preferably at least 800 μM total dNTP; and PEG, preferably at least 2 to 10% (w:v), preferably at least 12%, preferably at least 14%, preferably at least 16%, preferably at least 18% to 20% PEG. In some embodiments, the PEG has an average molecular weight of between 200 and 8000, preferably between 200 and 1000, preferably between 400 and 800, preferably 600. In some embodiments, the reaction mixture further comprises at least 100 nM molecular beacon probe, preferably at least 1000 nM molecular beacon probe.

In some embodiments of the composition, the primers are bound to the solid support in an irregular dispersal, while in some embodiments, the primers are bound to the solid support in an addressable array. In certain embodiments, the primer is covalently linked to the solid support, while in some embodiments, wherein the primer comprises a biotin moiety and the solid support comprises avidin, preferably streptavidin. In some embodiments, the complexes comprise an antibody bound to an antigen or hapten and in some embodiments, the complexes comprise an antigen or hapten bound directly to the solid support. In some embodiments, the antigen or hapten is covalently attached to the solid support.

In some embodiments of the compositions herein, complexes comprise at least one polypeptide. In some preferred embodiments, the at least one polypeptide comprises an antibody. In some embodiments, the complexes comprise at least one specifically-bindable molecule selected from a hapten, a lectin, and a lipid.

Embodiments of the composition described above may comprise a silanized surface bound to a plurality of complexes each comprising an RCA product comprising a plurality of hybridized labeled probes, and a solution comprising graphene oxide. In some embodiments, the silanized surface is glass. In some preferred embodiments, the silanized surface comprises a surface, preferably a glass surface, treated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane or 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate.

In some embodiments, the solution comprising graphene oxide further comprises a molecular beacon probe, preferably more than 100 nM molecular beacon probe, preferably at least 1000 nM molecular beacon probe.

In some embodiments of the composition, the solution comprising graphene oxide comprises a buffer solution comprising MgCl₂. In certain embodiments, the buffer comprising MgCl₂ is a Phi29 DNA polymerase buffer.

The technology provided herein is not limited to any particular use or application. In some embodiments, the technology finds use in analysis of chromosomal aberrations, e.g., aneuploidy, preferably in the context of non-invasive prenatal testing. For example, some embodiments of applications of the technology comprise obtaining a maternal sample that comprises both maternal and fetal genetic material, and measuring a plurality of target nucleic acids, wherein the target nucleic acids comprise specific sequences associated with a first chromosome, wherein the first chromosome is suspected of being variant (e.g., in gene dosage or chromosome count) in the fetal material, and wherein the target nucleic acid further comprises specific sequences associated with a second chromosome, which is not suspected of being variant in the fetal material. The method comprises analyzing an amount of the target nucleic acids associated with the first chromosome and the amount of target nucleic acids associated with the second chromosome in the sample to determine whether the amount of the target nucleic acids associated with the first chromosome differs sufficiently from the amount the target nucleic acid associated with the second chromosome to indicate a chromosomal or gene dosage variant in the fetus. In preferred embodiments, the target nucleic acids associated the first and second chromosomes are present in both the maternal and fetal genetic material, and are the maternal and fetal nucleic acids the assay is not specific for one over the other. In preferred embodiments, the maternal sample is cell-free DNA from maternal blood. Statistical methods for analyzing chromosomal aberrations based on measuring amounts of DNA in a sample, including determining aberrations in the fetal DNA when the fetal DNA is a small fraction of the total DNA in a maternal sample, are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,029, which is incorporated herein by reference.

DEFINITIONS

To facilitate an understanding of the present invention, a number of terms and phrases are defined below:

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator and is equivalent to the term “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” as used in claims in the present application limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps “and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)” of the claimed invention, as discussed in In re Herz, 537 F.2d 549, 551-52, 190 USPQ 461, 463 (CCPA 1976). For example, a composition “consisting essentially of” recited elements may contain an unrecited contaminant at a level such that, though present, the contaminant does not alter the function of the recited composition as compared to a pure composition, i.e., a composition “consisting of” the recited components.

As used herein, the terms “subject” and “patient” refer to any organisms including plants, microorganisms and animals (e.g., mammals such as dogs, cats, livestock, and humans).

The term “sample” in the present specification and claims is used in its broadest sense. On the one hand it is meant to include a specimen or culture (e.g., microbiological cultures). On the other hand, it is meant to include both biological and environmental samples. A sample may include a specimen of synthetic origin. Biological samples may be animal, including human, fluid, solid (e.g., stool) or tissue, as well as liquid and solid food and feed products and ingredients such as dairy items, vegetables, meat and meat by-products, and waste. Biological samples may be obtained from all of the various families of domestic animals, as well as feral or wild animals, including, but not limited to, such animals as ungulates, bear, fish, lagomorphs, rodents, etc.

Environmental samples include environmental material such as surface matter, soil, water and industrial samples, as well as samples obtained from food and dairy processing instruments, apparatus, equipment, utensils, disposable and non-disposable items. These examples are not to be construed as limiting the sample types applicable to the present invention.

The term “target” as used herein refers to a molecule sought to be sorted out from other molecules for assessment, measurement, or other characterization. For example, a target nucleic acid may be sorted from other nucleic acids in a sample, e.g., by probe binding, amplification, isolation, capture, etc. When used in reference to a hybridization-based detection, e.g., polymerase chain reaction, “target” refers to the region of nucleic acid bounded by the primers used for polymerase chain reaction, while when used in an assay in which target DNA is not amplified, e.g., in capture by molecular inversion probes (MIPS), a target comprises the site bounded by the hybridization of the target-specific arms of the MIP, such that the MIP can be ligated and the presence of the target nucleic acid can be detected.

The term “source of target nucleic acid” refers to any sample that contains nucleic acids (RNA or DNA). Particularly preferred sources of target nucleic acids are biological samples including, but not limited to blood, plasma, serum, saliva, urine, feces, gastrointestinal fluid, cerebral spinal fluid, pleural fluid, milk, lymph, sputum, and semen.

The term “gene dosage” as used herein refers to the copy number of a gene, a genic region, a chromosome, or fragments or portions thereof. Normal individuals carry two copies of most genes or genic regions, one on each of two chromosomes. However, there are certain exceptions, e.g., when genes or genic regions reside on the X or Y chromosomes, or when genes sequences are present in pseudogenes.

The term “aneuploidy” as used herein refers to conditions wherein cells, tissues, or individuals have one or more whole chromosomes or segments of chromosomes either absent, or in addition to the normal euploid complement of chromosomes.

As used herein, the “sensitivity” of a given assay (or set of assays used together) refers to the percentage of samples that report a particular form or variant, e.g., a mutation, gene duplication, chromosome duplication, above a threshold value that distinguishes between samples exhibiting a variant phenotype (e.g., cancerous cells, aneuploidy) and samples exhibiting a normal or wild-type phenotype (e.g., non-cancerous cells, euploidy). In some embodiments, a “positive” is defined as a clinically-confirmed variant that reports an assay result associated with the presence of the disease or condition to be detected, and a false negative is defined as a clinically-confirmed variant that reports an assay result associated with the absence of the disease or condition. The value of sensitivity, therefore, reflects the probability that a given diagnostic assay performed on a known variant or diseased sample will produce a result indicative of the presence of the variation or disease. As defined here, the clinical relevance of a calculated sensitivity value represents an estimation of the probability that a given assay would detect the presence of a clinical condition when applied to a subject with that condition. Using the technology described herein, it may be possible to achieve a certain level of accuracy without the need for generating sequence reads. The accuracy may refer to sensitivity, it may refer to specificity, or it may refer to some combination thereof. The desired level of accuracy may be between 90% and 95%; it may be between 95% and 98%; it may be between 98% and 99%; it may be between 99% and 99.5%; it may be between 99.5% and 99.9%; it may be between 99.9% and 99.99%; it may be between 99.99% and 99.999%, it may be between 99.999% and 100%. Levels of accuracy above 95% may be referred to as high accuracy.

As used herein, the “specificity” of a given assay (or set of assays used together) refers to the percentage of normal samples that report an assay result associated with the presence of the disease or condition to be detected, and a false positive is defined as a clinically-confirmed normal sample that reports an assay result associated with the presence of the disease or condition. The value of specificity, therefore, reflects the probability that a given diagnostic assay performed on a known normal sample will produce a result indicative of the presence of the variation or disease. As defined here, the clinical relevance of the calculated specificity value represents an estimation of the probability that a given marker would detect the absence of a clinical condition when applied to a subject without that condition.

The term “gene” refers to a DNA sequence that comprises control and coding sequences necessary for the production of an RNA having a non-coding function (e.g., a ribosomal or transfer RNA), a polypeptide or a precursor. The RNA or polypeptide can be encoded by a full length coding sequence or by any portion of the coding sequence so long as the desired activity or function is retained.

The term “genic region” as used herein refers to a gene, its exons, its introns, and its regions flanking it upstream and downstream, e.g., 5 to 10 kilobases 5′ and 3′ of the transcription start and stop sites, respectively.

The term “genic sequence” as used herein refers to the sequence of a gene, its introns, and its regions flanking it upstream and downstream, e.g., 5 to 10 kilobases 5′ and 3′ of the transcription start and stop sites, respectively.

The term “chromosome-specific” as used herein refers to a sequence that is found only in that particular type of chromosome.

As used herein, the term “hybridization” is used in reference to the pairing of complementary nucleic acids. Hybridization and the strength of hybridization (i.e., the strength of the association between the nucleic acids) is influenced by such factors as the degree of complementary between the nucleic acids, stringency of the conditions involved, and the T_(m) of the formed hybrid. “Hybridization” methods involve the annealing of one nucleic acid to another, complementary nucleic acid, i.e., a nucleic acid having a complementary nucleotide sequence. The ability of two polymers of nucleic acid containing complementary sequences to find each other and anneal through base pairing interaction is a well-recognized phenomenon. The initial observations of the “hybridization” process by Marmur and Lane, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 46:453 (1960) and Doty et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 46:461 (1960) have been followed by the refinement of this process into an essential tool of modern biology.

The term “oligonucleotide” as used herein is defined as a molecule comprising two or more deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides, preferably at least 5 nucleotides, more preferably at least about 10-15 nucleotides and more preferably at least about 15 to 30 nucleotides. The exact size will depend on many factors, which in turn depend on the ultimate function or use of the oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide may be generated in any manner, including chemical synthesis, DNA replication, reverse transcription, PCR, or a combination thereof.

Because mononucleotides are reacted to make oligonucleotides in a manner such that the 5′ phosphate of one mononucleotide pentose ring is attached to the 3′ oxygen of its neighbor in one direction via a phosphodiester linkage, an end of an oligonucleotide is referred to as the “5′ end” if its 5′ phosphate is not linked to the 3′ oxygen of a mononucleotide pentose ring and as the “3′ end” if its 3′ oxygen is not linked to a 5′ phosphate of a subsequent mononucleotide pentose ring. As used herein, a nucleic acid sequence, even if internal to a larger oligonucleotide, also may be said to have 5′ and 3′ ends. A first region along a nucleic acid strand is said to be upstream of another region if the 3′ end of the first region is before the 5′ end of the second region when moving along a strand of nucleic acid in a 5′ to 3′ direction.

When two different, non-overlapping oligonucleotides anneal to different regions of the same linear complementary nucleic acid sequence, and the 3′ end of one oligonucleotide points towards the 5′ end of the other, the former may be called the “upstream” oligonucleotide and the latter the “downstream” oligonucleotide. Similarly, when two overlapping oligonucleotides are hybridized to the same linear complementary nucleic acid sequence, with the first oligonucleotide positioned such that its 5′ end is upstream of the 5′ end of the second oligonucleotide, and the 3′ end of the first oligonucleotide is upstream of the 3′ end of the second oligonucleotide, the first oligonucleotide may be called the “upstream” oligonucleotide and the second oligonucleotide may be called the “downstream” oligonucleotide.

The term “primer” refers to an oligonucleotide that is capable of acting as a point of initiation of synthesis when placed under conditions in which primer extension is initiated, e.g., in the presence of nucleotides and a suitable nucleic acid polymerase. An oligonucleotide “primer” may occur naturally, may be made using molecular biological methods, e.g., purification of a restriction digest, or may be produced synthetically. In preferred embodiments, a primer is composed of or comprises DNA.

A primer is selected to be “substantially” complementary to a strand of specific sequence of the template. A primer must be sufficiently complementary to hybridize with a template strand for primer elongation to occur. A primer sequence need not reflect the exact sequence of the template. For example, a non-complementary nucleotide fragment may be attached to the 5′ end of the primer, with the remainder of the primer sequence being substantially complementary to the strand. Non-complementary bases or longer sequences can be interspersed into the primer, provided that the primer sequence has sufficient complementarity with the sequence of the template to hybridize and thereby form a template primer complex for synthesis of the extension product of the primer.

The term “sequence variation” as used herein refers to differences in nucleic acid sequence between two nucleic acids. For example, a wild-type structural gene and a mutant form of this wild-type structural gene may vary in sequence by the presence of single base substitutions and/or deletions or insertions of one or more nucleotides. These two forms of the structural gene are said to vary in sequence from one another. A second mutant form of the structural gene may exist. This second mutant form is said to vary in sequence from both the wild-type gene and the first mutant form of the gene.

The term “nucleotide analog” as used herein refers to modified or non-naturally occurring nucleotides including but not limited to analogs that have altered stacking interactions such as 7-deaza purines (i.e., 7-deaza-dATP and 7-deaza-dGTP); base analogs with alternative hydrogen bonding configurations (e.g., such as Iso-C and Iso-G and other non-standard base pairs described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,983 to S. Benner); non-hydrogen bonding analogs (e.g., non-polar, aromatic nucleoside analogs such as 2,4-difluorotoluene, described by B. A. Schweitzer and E. T. Kool, J. Org. Chem., 1994, 59, 7238-7242, B. A. Schweitzer and E. T. Kool, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1995, 117, 1863-1872); “universal” bases such as 5-nitroindole and 3-nitropyrrole; and universal purines and pyrimidines (such as “K” and “P” nucleotides, respectively; P. Kong, et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 1989, 17, 10373-10383, P. Kong et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 1992, 20, 5149-5152). Nucleotide analogs include base analogs, and comprise modified forms of deoxyribonucleotides as well as ribonucleotides, and include but are not limited to modified bases and nucleotides described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,432,272; 6,001,983; 6,037,120; 6,140,496; 5,912,340; 6,127,121 and 6,143,877, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties; heterocyclic base analogs based on the purine or pyrimidine ring systems, and other heterocyclic bases.

The term “continuous strand of nucleic acid” as used herein is means a strand of nucleic acid that has a continuous, covalently linked, backbone structure, without nicks or other disruptions. The disposition of the base portion of each nucleotide, whether base-paired, single-stranded or mismatched, is not an element in the definition of a continuous strand. The backbone of the continuous strand is not limited to the ribose-phosphate or deoxyribose-phosphate compositions that are found in naturally occurring, unmodified nucleic acids. A nucleic acid of the present invention may comprise modifications in the structure of the backbone, including but not limited to phosphorothioate residues, phosphonate residues, 2′ substituted ribose residues (e.g., 2′-O-methyl ribose) and alternative sugar (e.g., arabinose) containing residues.

The term “continuous duplex” as used herein refers to a region of double stranded nucleic acid in which there is no disruption in the progression of basepairs within the duplex (i.e., the base pairs along the duplex are not distorted to accommodate a gap, bulge or mismatch with the confines of the region of continuous duplex). As used herein the term refers only to the arrangement of the basepairs within the duplex, without implication of continuity in the backbone portion of the nucleic acid strand. Duplex nucleic acids with uninterrupted basepairing, but with nicks in one or both strands are within the definition of a continuous duplex.

The term “duplex” refers to the state of nucleic acids in which the base portions of the nucleotides on one strand are bound through hydrogen bonding the their complementary bases arrayed on a second strand. The condition of being in a duplex form reflects on the state of the bases of a nucleic acid. By virtue of base pairing, the strands of nucleic acid also generally assume the tertiary structure of a double helix, having a major and a minor groove. The assumption of the helical form is implicit in the act of becoming duplexed.

The term “template” refers to a strand of nucleic acid on which a complementary copy is built from nucleoside triphosphates through the activity of a template-dependent nucleic acid polymerase. Within a duplex the template strand is, by convention, depicted and described as the “bottom” strand. Similarly, the non-template strand is often depicted and described as the “top” strand.

As applied to polynucleotides, the term “substantial identity” denotes a characteristic of a polynucleotide sequence, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a sequence that has at least 85 percent sequence identity, preferably at least 90 to 95 percent sequence identity, more usually at least 99 percent sequence identity as compared to a reference sequence over a comparison window of at least 20 nucleotide positions, frequently over a window of at least 25-50 nucleotides, wherein the percentage of sequence identity is calculated by comparing the reference sequence to the polynucleotide sequence, which may include deletions or additions which total 20 percent or less of the reference sequence over the window of comparison. The reference sequence may be a subset of a larger sequence, for example, as a splice variant of the full-length sequences.

As applied to polypeptides, the term “substantial identity” means that two peptide sequences, when optimally aligned, such as by the programs GAP or BESTFIT using default gap weights, share at least 80 percent sequence identity, preferably at least 90 percent sequence identity, more preferably at least 95 percent sequence identity or more (e.g., 99 percent sequence identity). Preferably, residue positions that are not identical differ by conservative amino acid substitutions. Conservative amino acid substitutions refer to the interchangeability of residues having similar side chains. For example, a group of amino acids having aliphatic side chains is glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine; a group of amino acids having aliphatic-hydroxyl side chains is serine and threonine; a group of amino acids having amide-containing side chains is asparagine and glutamine; a group of amino acids having aromatic side chains is phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan; a group of amino acids having basic side chains is lysine, arginine, and histidine; and a group of amino acids having sulfur-containing side chains is cysteine and methionine. Preferred conservative amino acids substitution groups are: valine-leucine-isoleucine, phenylalanine-tyrosine, lysine-arginine, alanine-valine, and asparagine-glutamine.

The term “label” as used herein refers to any atom or molecule that can be used to provide a detectable (preferably quantifiable) effect, and that can be attached to a nucleic acid or protein. Labels include but are not limited to dyes; radiolabels such as ³²P; binding moieties such as biotin; haptens such as digoxgenin; luminogenic, phosphorescent or fluorogenic moieties; mass tags; and fluorescent dyes alone or in combination with moieties that can suppress (“quench”) or shift emission spectra by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). FRET is a distance-dependent interaction between the electronic excited states of two molecules (e.g., two dye molecules, or a dye molecule and a non-fluorescing quencher molecule) in which excitation is transferred from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule without emission of a photon. (Stryer et al., 1978, Ann. Rev. Biochem., 47:819; Selvin, 1995, Methods Enzymol., 246:300, each incorporated herein by reference). As used herein, the term “donor” refers to a fluorophore that absorbs at a first wavelength and emits at a second, longer wavelength. The term “acceptor” refers to a moiety such as a fluorophore, chromophore, or quencher that has an absorption spectrum that overlaps the donor's emission spectrum, and that is able to absorb some or most of the emitted energy from the donor when it is near the donor group (typically between 1-100 nm). If the acceptor is a fluorophore, it generally then re-emits at a third, still longer wavelength; if it is a chromophore or quencher, it then releases the energy absorbed from the donor without emitting a photon. In some embodiments, changes in detectable emission from a donor dye (e.g. when an acceptor moiety is near or distant) are detected. In some embodiments, changes in detectable emission from an acceptor dye are detected. In preferred embodiments, the emission spectrum of the acceptor dye is distinct from the emission spectrum of the donor dye such that emissions from the dyes can be differentiated (e.g., spectrally resolved) from each other.

In some embodiments, a donor dye is used in combination with multiple acceptor moieties. In a preferred embodiment, a donor dye is used in combination with a non-fluorescing quencher and with an acceptor dye, such that when the donor dye is close to the quencher, its excitation is transferred to the quencher rather than the acceptor dye, and when the quencher is removed (e.g., by cleavage of a probe), donor dye excitation is transferred to an acceptor dye. In particularly preferred embodiments, emission from the acceptor dye is detected. See, e.g., Tyagi, et al., Nature Biotechnology 18:1191 (2000), which is incorporated herein by reference.

Labels may provide signals detectable by fluorescence (e.g., simple fluorescence, FRET, time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence polarization, etc.), radioactivity, colorimetry, gravimetry, X-ray diffraction or absorption, magnetism, enzymatic activity, characteristics of mass or behavior affected by mass (e.g., MALDI time-of-flight mass spectrometry), and the like. A label may be a charged moiety (positive or negative charge) or alternatively, may be charge neutral. Labels can include or consist of nucleic acid or protein sequence, so long as the sequence comprising the label is detectable.

In some embodiment a label comprises a particle for detection. In preferred embodiments, the particle is a phosphor particle. In particularly preferred embodiments, the phosphor particle is an up-converting phosphor particle (see, e.g., Ostermayer, F. W. Preparation and properties of infrared-to-visible conversion phosphors. Metall.Trans. 752, 747-755 [1971]). In some embodiments, rare earth-doped ceramic particles are used as phosphor particles. Phosphor particles may be detected by any suitable method, including but not limited to up-converting phosphor technology (UPT), in which up-converting phosphors transfer low energy infrared (IR) radiation to high-energy visible light. While the present invention is not limited to any particular mechanism, in some embodiments the UPT up-converts infrared light to visible light by multi-photon absorption and subsequent emission of dopant-dependent phosphorescence. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,397, Issued Jun. 4, 2002 to Zarling, et al.; van De Rijke, et al., Nature Biotechnol. 19(3):273-6 [2001]; Corstjens, et al., IEE Proc. Nanobiotechnol. 152(2):64 [2005], each incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

As used herein, the terms “solid support” or “support” refer to any material that provides a solid or semi-solid structure to which another material can be attached. Such materials include smooth supports (e.g., smooth metal, glass, quartz, plastic, silicon, wafers, carbon (e.g., diamond), and ceramic surfaces, etc.), as well as textured and porous materials. Such materials also include, but are not limited to, gels, rubbers, polymers, and other non-rigid materials. Solid supports need not be flat. Supports include any type of shape, including spherical shapes (e.g., beads).

As used herein, the term “bead” refers to a small solid support that is capable of moving about when in a solution (e.g., it has dimensions smaller than those of the enclosure or container in which the solution resides). In some embodiments, beads may settle out of a solution when the solution is not mixed (e.g., by shaking, thermal mixing, vortexting), while in other embodiments, beads may be suspended in solution in a colloidal fashion. In some embodiments, beads are completely or partially spherical or cylindrical. However, beads are not limited to any particular three-dimensional shape.

Materials attached to a solid support may be attached to any portion of the solid support (e.g., may be attached to an interior portion of a porous solid support material, or to an exterior portion, or to a flat portion on an otherwise non-flat support, or vice versa). In preferred embodiments of the technology, biological molecules such as nucleic acid or protein molecules are attached to solid supports. A biological material is “attached” to a solid support when it is affixed to the solid support through chemical or physical interaction. In some embodiments, attachment is through a covalent bond. However, attachments need not be covalent and need not be permanent. In some embodiments, an attachment may be undone or disassociated by a change in condition, e.g., by temperature, ionic change, addition or removal of a chelating agent, or other changes in the solution conditions to which the surface and bound molecule are exposed.

In some embodiments, a target molecule, e.g., a biological material, is attached to a solid support through a “spacer molecule” or “linker group.” Such spacer molecules are molecules that have a first portion that attaches to the biological material and a second portion that attaches to the solid support. Spacer molecules typically comprise a chain of atoms, e.g., carbon atoms, that provide additional distance between the first portion and the second portion. Thus, when attached to the solid support, the spacer molecule permits separation between the solid support and the biological material, but is attached to both.

As used herein, the terms “array” and “microarray” refer a surface or vessel comprising a plurality of pre-defined loci that are addressable for analysis of the locus, e.g., to determine a result of an assay. Analysis at a locus in an array is not limited to any particular type of analysis and includes, e.g., analysis for detection of an atom, molecule, chemical reaction, light or fluorescence emission, suppression, or alteration (e.g., in intensity or wavelength) indicative of a result at that locus. Examples of pre-defined loci include a grid or any other pattern, wherein the locus to be analyzed is determined by its known position in the array pattern. Microarrays, for example, are described generally in Schena, “Microarray Biochip Technology,” Eaton Publishing, Natick, Mass., 2000. Examples of arrays include but are not limited to supports with a plurality of molecules non-randomly bound to the surface (e.g., in a grid or other regular pattern) and vessels comprising a plurality of defined reaction loci (e.g., wells) in which molecules or signal-generating reactions may be detected. In some embodiments, an array comprises a patterned distribution of wells that receive beads, e.g., as described above for the SIMOA technology. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,057,730; 9,556,429; 9,481,883; and 9,376,677, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, for all purposes.

As used herein, the term “irregular distribution” as used in reference to sites on a solid support or surface, refers to distribution of loci on or in a surface in a non-arrayed manner. For example, molecules may be irregularly distributed on a surface by application of a solution of a particular concentration that provides a desired approximate average distance between the molecules on the surface, but at sites that are not pre-defined by or addressable any pattern on the surface or by the means of applying the solution (e.g., inkjet printing). In such embodiments, analysis of the surface may comprise finding the locus of a molecule by detection of a signal wherever it may appear (e.g., scanning a whole surface to detect fluorescence anywhere on the surface). This contrasts to locating a signal by analysis of a surface or vessel only at predetermined loci (e.g., points in a grid array), to determine how much (or what type of) signal appears at each locus in the grid.

As used herein, the term “distinct” in reference to signals refers to signals that can be differentiated one from another, e.g., by spectral properties such as fluorescence emission wavelength, color, absorbance, mass, size, fluorescence polarization properties, charge, etc., or by capability of interaction with another moiety, such as with a chemical reagent, an enzyme, an antibody, etc.

As used herein, the term “nucleic acid detection assay” refers to any method of determining the nucleotide composition of a nucleic acid of interest. Nucleic acid detection assay include but are not limited to, DNA sequencing methods, probe hybridization methods, structure specific cleavage assays (e.g., the INVADER assay, (Hologic, Inc.) and are described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,846,717; 5,985,557; 5,994,069; 6,001,567; 6,090,543; and 6,872,816; Lyamichev et al., Nat. Biotech., 17:292 (1999), Hall et al., PNAS, USA, 97:8272 (2000), and U.S. Pat. No. 9,096,893, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes); enzyme mismatch cleavage methods (e.g., Variagenics, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,110,684, 5,958,692, 5,851,770, herein incorporated by reference in their entireties); polymerase chain reaction (PCR), described above; branched hybridization methods (e.g., Chiron, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,849,481, 5,710,264, 5,124,246, and 5,624,802, herein incorporated by reference in their entireties); rolling circle amplification (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,210,884, 6,183,960 and 6,235,502, herein incorporated by reference in their entireties); the variation of rolling circle amplification called “RAM amplification” (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,391, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; NASBA (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,818, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety); molecular beacon technology (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,097, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety); E-sensor technology (Motorola, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,248,229, 6,221,583, 6,013,170, and 6,063,573, herein incorporated by reference in their entireties); cycling probe technology (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,403,711, 5,011,769, and 5,660,988, herein incorporated by reference in their entireties); Dade Behring signal amplification methods (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,121,001, 6,110,677, 5,914,230, 5,882,867, and 5,792,614, herein incorporated by reference in their entireties); ligase chain reaction (e.g., Baranay Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 88, 189-93 (1991)); and sandwich hybridization methods (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,609, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).

In some embodiments, target nucleic acid is amplified (e.g., by PCR) and amplified nucleic acid is detected simultaneously using an invasive cleavage assay. Assays configured for performing a detection assay (e.g., invasive cleavage assay) in combination with an amplification assay are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,096,893, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Additional amplification plus invasive cleavage detection configurations, termed the QuARTS method, are described in, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,361,720; 8,715,937; 8,916,344; and 9,212,392, each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The term “invasive cleavage structure” as used herein refers to a cleavage structure comprising i) a target nucleic acid, ii) an upstream nucleic acid (e.g., an invasive or “INVADER” oligonucleotide), and iii) a downstream nucleic acid (e.g., a probe), where the upstream and downstream nucleic acids anneal to contiguous regions of the target nucleic acid, and where an overlap forms between the a 3′ portion of the upstream nucleic acid and duplex formed between the downstream nucleic acid and the target nucleic acid. An overlap occurs where one or more bases from the upstream and downstream nucleic acids occupy the same position with respect to a target nucleic acid base, whether or not the overlapping base(s) of the upstream nucleic acid are complementary with the target nucleic acid, and whether or not those bases are natural bases or non-natural bases. In some embodiments, the 3′ portion of the upstream nucleic acid that overlaps with the downstream duplex is a non-base chemical moiety such as an aromatic ring structure, e.g., as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,543, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, one or more of the nucleic acids may be attached to each other, e.g., through a covalent linkage such as nucleic acid stem-loop, or through a non-nucleic acid chemical linkage (e.g., a multi-carbon chain). As used herein, the term “flap endonuclease assay” includes “INVADER” invasive cleavage assays and QuARTS assays, as described above.

As used herein, the terms “digital PCR,” “single molecule PCR” and “single molecule amplification” refer to PCR and other nucleic acid amplification methods that are configured to provide amplification product or signal from a single starting molecule. Typically, samples are divided, e.g., by serial dilution or by partition into small enough portions (e.g., in microchambers or in emulsions) such that each portion or dilution has, on average as assessed according to Poisson distribution, no more than a single copy of the target nucleic acid. Methods of single molecule PCR are described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,143,496, which relates to a method comprising dividing a sample into multiple chambers such that at least one chamber has at least one target, and amplifying the target to determine how many chambers had a target molecule; U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,559; which relates to an assembly for containing and portioning fluid; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,459,315, which relates to a method of dividing a sample into an assembly with sample chambers where the samples are partitioned by surface affinity to the chambers, then sealing the chambers with a curable “displacing fluid.” See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,440,706 and 6,753,147, and Vogelstein, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 96, pp. 9236-9241, August 1999. See also US 20080254474, describing a combination of digital PCR combined with methylation detection.

The term “sequencing”, as used herein, is used in a broad sense and may refer to any technique known in the art that allows the order of at least some consecutive nucleotides in at least part of a nucleic acid to be identified, including without limitation at least part of an extension product or a vector insert. In some embodiments, sequencing allows the distinguishing of sequence differences between different target sequences. Exemplary sequencing techniques include targeted sequencing, single molecule real-time sequencing, electron microscopy-based sequencing, transistor-mediated sequencing, direct sequencing, random shotgun sequencing, Sanger dideoxy termination sequencing, targeted sequencing, exon sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, sequencing by hybridization, pyrosequencing, capillary electrophoresis, gel electrophoresis, duplex sequencing, cycle sequencing, single-base extension sequencing, solid-phase sequencing, high-throughput sequencing, massively parallel signature sequencing, emulsion PCR, co-amplification at lower denaturation temperature-PCR (COLD-PCR), multiplex PCR, sequencing by reversible dye terminator, paired-end sequencing, near-term sequencing, exonuclease sequencing, sequencing by ligation, short-read sequencing, single-molecule sequencing, sequencing-by-synthesis, real-time sequencing, reverse-terminator sequencing, ion semiconductor sequencing, nanoball sequencing, nanopore sequencing, 454 sequencing, Solexa Genome Analyzer sequencing, miSeq (Illumina), HiSeq 2000 (Illumina), HiSeq 2500 (Illumina), Illumina Genome Analyzer (Illumina), Ion Torrent PGM™ (Life Technologies), MinION™ (Oxford Nanopore Technologies), real-time SMIRT™ technology (Pacific Biosciences), the Probe-Anchor Ligation (cPAL™) (Complete Genomics/BGI), SOLiD® sequencing, MS-PET sequencing, mass spectrometry, and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, sequencing comprises detecting the sequencing product using an instrument, for example but not limited to an ABI PRISM® 377 DNA Sequencer, an ABI PRISM® 310, 3100, 3100-Avant, 3730, or 373OxI Genetic Analyzer, an ABI PRISM® 3700 DNA Analyzer, or an Applied Biosystems SOLiD™ System (all from Applied Biosystems), a Genome Sequencer 20 System (Roche Applied Science), or a mass spectrometer. In certain embodiments, sequencing comprises emulsion PCR. In certain embodiments, sequencing comprises a high throughput sequencing technique, for example but not limited to, massively parallel signature sequencing (MPSS).

As used herein, the terms “peptide,” “polypeptide,” and “protein” are used interchangeably in reference to a chain of two or more amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Polypeptides may be synthetic or naturally occurring, and may be short, e.g., between two about 30 amino acid residues, or may be hundreds or thousands of amino acid residues in length. Polypeptides may be composed of the 20 main naturally-occurring amino acids, or may comprise one or more non-natural amino acids, e.g., peptide nucleic acid residues, which comprise pyrimidine or purine bases on a peptide chain backbone, or modified versions of natural amino acids (e.g., modified in the structure of the side groups).

As used herein, the term “antibody” (Ab) refers to antigen-binding immunoglobulins, and includes monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and polyclonal Abs. The term further includes all modified forms of antibodies that have the ability to bind to an antigen, e.g., fragment antibodies (fAbs) comprising portions of an immunoglobulin structure.

As used herein, the terms “crowding agent” and “volume excluder,” as used in reference to a component of a fluid reaction mixture, are used interchangeably and refer to compounds, generally polymeric compounds, that reduce available fluid volume in a reaction mixture, thereby increasing the effective concentration of reactant macromolecules (e.g., nucleic acids, enzymes, etc.) Crowding reagents include, e.g., glycerol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, ficoll, serum albumin, casein, and dextran.

As used herein, the terms “digital sequencing,” “single-molecule sequencing,” and “next generation sequencing (NGS)” are used interchangeably and refer to determining the nucleotide sequence of individual nucleic acid molecules. Systems for individual molecule sequencing include but are not limited to the 454 FLX™ or 454 TITANIUM™ (Roche), the SOLEXA™/Illumina Genome Analyzer (Illumina), the HELISCOPE™ Single Molecule Sequencer (Helicos Biosciences), and the SOLID™ DNA Sequencer (Life Technologies/Applied Biosystems) instruments), as well as other platforms still under development by companies such as Intelligent Biosystems and Pacific Biosystems. See also U.S. Pat. No. 7,888,017, entitled “Non-invasive fetal genetic screening by digital analysis,” relating to digital analysis of maternal and fetal DNA, e.g., cfDNA.

As used herein, the term “probe” or “hybridization probe” refers to an oligonucleotide (i.e., a sequence of nucleotides), whether occurring naturally as in a purified restriction digest or produced synthetically, recombinantly or by PCR amplification, that is capable of hybridizing, at least in part, to another oligonucleotide of interest. A probe may be single-stranded or double-stranded. Probes are useful in the detection, identification and isolation of particular sequences. In some preferred embodiments, probes used in the present invention will be labeled with a “reporter molecule,” so that is detectable in any detection system, including, but not limited to enzyme (e.g., ELISA, as well as enzyme-based histochemical assays), fluorescent, radioactive, and luminescent systems. It is not intended that the present invention be limited to any particular detection system or label.

The term “MIP” as used herein, refers to a molecular inversion probe (or a circular capture probe). Molecular inversion probes (or circular capture probes) are nucleic acid molecules that comprise a pair of unique polynucleotide arms, one or more unique molecular tags (or unique molecular identifiers), and a polynucleotide linker (e.g., a universal backbone linker). See, for example, FIG. 1. In some embodiments, a MIP may comprise more than one unique molecular tags, such as, two unique molecular tags, three unique molecular tags, or more. In some embodiments, the unique polynucleotide arms in each MIP are located at the 5′ and 3′ ends of the MIP, while the unique molecular tag(s) and the polynucleotide linker are located internal to the 5′ and 3′ ends of the MIP. For example, the MIPs that are used in some embodiments of this disclosure comprise in sequence the following components: first unique polynucleotide arm—first unique molecular tag—polynucleotide linker—second unique molecular tag—second unique polynucleotide arm. In some embodiments, the MIP is a 5′ phosphorylated single-stranded nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) molecule. See, for example, WO 2017/020023, filed Jul. 29, 2016, and WO 2017/020024, filed Jul. 29, 2016, each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

The unique molecular tag may be any tag that is detectable and can be incorporated into or attached to a nucleic acid (e.g., a polynucleotide) and allows detection and/or identification of nucleic acids that comprise the tag. In some embodiments the tag is incorporated into or attached to a nucleic acid during sequencing (e.g., by a polymerase). Non-limiting examples of tags include nucleic acid tags, nucleic acid indexes or barcodes, radiolabels (e.g., isotopes), metallic labels, fluorescent labels, chemiluminescent labels, phosphorescent labels, fluorophore quenchers, dyes, proteins (e.g., enzymes, antibodies or parts thereof, linkers, members of a binding pair), the like or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, particularly sequencing embodiments, the tag (e.g., a molecular tag) is a unique, known and/or identifiable sequence of nucleotides or nucleotide analogues (e.g., nucleotides comprising a nucleic acid analogue, a sugar and one to three phosphate groups). In some embodiments, tags are six or more contiguous nucleotides. A multitude of fluorophore-based tags are available with a variety of different excitation and emission spectra. Any suitable type and/or number of fluorophores can be used as a tag. In some embodiments 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more, 500 or more, 1000 or more, 10,000 or more, 100,000 or more different tags are utilized in a method described herein (e.g., a nucleic acid detection and/or sequencing method). In some embodiments, one or two types of tags (e.g., different fluorescent labels) are linked to each nucleic acid in a library. In some embodiments, chromosome-specific tags are used to make chromosomal counting faster or more efficient. Detection and/or quantification of a tag can be performed by a suitable method, machine or apparatus, non-limiting examples of which include flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), gel electrophoresis, a luminometer, a fluorometer, a spectrophotometer, a suitable gene-chip or microarray analysis, Western blot, mass spectrometry, chromatography, cytofluorimetric analysis, fluorescence microscopy, a suitable fluorescence or digital imaging method, confocal laser scanning microscopy, laser scanning cytometry, affinity chromatography, manual batch mode separation, electric field suspension, a suitable nucleic acid sequencing method and/or nucleic acid sequencing apparatus, the like and combinations thereof.

In the MIPs, the unique polynucleotide arms are designed to hybridize immediately upstream and downstream of a specific target sequence (or site) in a genomic nucleic acid sample. In some embodiments, MIPS comprise unique molecular tags are short nucleotide sequences that are randomly generated. In some embodiments, the unique molecular tags do not hybridize to any sequence or site located on a genomic nucleic acid fragment or in a genomic nucleic acid sample. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide linker (or the backbone linker) in the MIPs are universal in all the MIPs used in embodiments of this disclosure.

In some embodiments, the MIPs are introduced to nucleic acid fragments derived from a test subject (or a reference subject) to perform capture of target sequences or sites (or control sequences or sites) located on a nucleic acid sample (e.g., a genomic DNA). In some embodiments, fragmenting aids in capture of target nucleic acid by molecular inversion probes. In some embodiments, for example, when the nucleic acid sample is comprised of cell free nucleic acid, fragmenting may not be necessary to improve capture of target nucleic acid by molecular inversion probes. As described in greater detail herein, after capture of the target sequence (e.g., locus) of interest, the captured target may be subjected to enzymatic gap-filling and ligation steps, such that a copy of the target sequence is incorporated into a circle-like structure. In some embodiments, nucleic acid analogs, e.g., containing labels, haptens, etc., may be incorporated in the filled section, for use, e.g., in downstream detection, purification, or other processing steps. Capture efficiency of the MIP to the target sequence on the nucleic acid fragment can, in some embodiments, be improved by lengthening the hybridization and gap-filling incubation periods. (See, e.g., Turner E H, et al., Nat Methods. 2009 Apr. 6:1-2.).

In some embodiments, the MIPs that are used according to the disclosure to capture a target site or target sequence comprise in sequence the following components: first targeting polynucleotide arm—first unique targeting molecular tag—polynucleotide linker—second unique targeting molecular tag—second targeting polynucleotide arm.

In some embodiments, the MIPs that are used in the disclosure to capture a control site or control sequence comprise in sequence the following components: first control polynucleotide arm—first unique control molecular tag—polynucleotide linker—second unique control molecular tag—second control polynucleotide arm.

MIP technology may be used to detect or amplify particular nucleic acid sequences in complex mixtures. One of the advantages of using the MIP technology is in its capacity for a high degree of multiplexing, which allows thousands of target sequences to be captured in a single reaction containing thousands of MIPs. Various aspects of MIP technology are described in, for example, Hardenbol et al., “Multiplexed genotyping with sequence-tagged molecular inversion probes,” Nature Biotechnology, 21(6): 673-678 (2003); Hardenbol et al., “Highly multiplexed molecular inversion probe genotyping: Over 10,000 targeted SNPs genotyped in a single tube assay,” Genome Research, 15: 269-275 (2005); Burmester et al., “DMET microarray technology for pharmacogenomics-based personalized medicine,” Methods in Molecular Biology, 632: 99-124 (2010); Sissung et al., “Clinical pharmacology and pharmacogenetics in a genomics era: the DMET platform,” Pharmacogenomics, 11(1): 89-103 (2010); Deeken, “The Affymetrix DMET platform and pharmacogenetics in drug development,” Current Opinion in Molecular Therapeutics, 11(3): 260-268 (2009); Wang et al., “High quality copy number and genotype data from FFPE samples using Molecular Inversion Probe (MIP) microarrays,” BMC Medical Genomics, 2:8 (2009); Wang et al., “Analysis of molecular inversion probe performance for allele copy number determination,” Genome Biology, 8(11): R246 (2007); Ji et al., “Molecular inversion probe analysis of gene copy alternations reveals distinct categories of colorectal carcinoma,” Cancer Research, 66(16): 7910-7919 (2006); and Wang et al., “Allele quantification using molecular inversion probes (MIP),” Nucleic Acids Research, 33(21): e183 (2005), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. See also in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,858,412; 5,817,921; 6,558,928; 7,320,860; 7,351,528; 5,866,337; 6,027,889 and 6,852,487, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

MIP technology has previously been successfully applied to other areas of research, including the novel identification and subclassification of biomarkers in cancers. See, e.g., Brewster et al., “Copy number imbalances between screen- and symptom-detected breast cancers and impact on disease-free survival,” Cancer Prevention Research, 4(10): 1609-1616 (2011); Geiersbach et al., “Unknown partner for USP6 and unusual SS18 rearrangement detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization in a solid aneurysmal bone cyst,” Cancer Genetics, 204(4): 195-202 (2011); Schiffman et al., “Oncogenic BRAF mutation with CDKN2A inactivation is characteristic of a subset of pediatric malignant astrocytomas,” Cancer Research, 70(2): 512-519 (2010); Schiffman et al., “Molecular inversion probes reveal patterns of 9p21 deletion and copy number aberrations in childhood leukemia,” Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics, 193(1): 9-18 (2009); Press et al., “Ovarian carcinomas with genetic and epigenetic BRCA1 loss have distinct molecular abnormalities,” BMC Cancer, 8:17 (2008); and Deeken et al., “A pharmacogenetic study of docetaxel and thalidomide in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer using the DMET genotyping platform,” Pharmacogenomics, 10(3): 191-199 (2009), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

MIP technology has also been applied to the identification of new drug-related biomarkers. See, e.g., Caldwell et al., “CYP4F2 genetic variant alters required warfarin dose,” Blood, 111(8): 4106-4112 (2008); and McDonald et al., “CYP4F2 Is a Vitamin K1 Oxidase: An Explanation for Altered Warfarin Dose in Carriers of the V433M Variant,” Molecular Pharmacology, 75: 1337-1346 (2009), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Other MIP applications include drug development and safety research. See, e.g., Mega et al., “Cytochrome P-450 Polymorphisms and Response to Clopidogrel,” New England Journal of Medicine, 360(4): 354-362 (2009); Dumaual et al., “Comprehensive assessment of metabolic enzyme and transporter genes using the Affymetrix Targeted Genotyping System,” Pharmacogenomics, 8(3): 293-305 (2007); and Daly et al., “Multiplex assay for comprehensive genotyping of genes involved in drug metabolism, excretion, and transport,” Clinical Chemistry, 53(7): 1222-1230 (2007), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Further applications of MIP technology include genotype and phenotype databasing. See, e.g., Man et al., “Genetic Variation in Metabolizing Enzyme and Transporter Genes: Comprehensive Assessment in 3 Major East Asian Subpopulations with Comparison to Caucasians and Africans,” Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 50(8): 929-940 (2010), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The term “capture” or “capturing”, as used herein, refers to the binding or hybridization reaction between a molecular inversion probe and its corresponding targeting site. In some embodiments, upon capturing, a circular replicon or a MIP replicon is produced or formed. In some embodiments, the targeting site is a deletion (e.g., partial or full deletion of one or more exons). In some embodiments, a target MIP is designed to bind to or hybridize with a naturally-occurring (e.g., wild-type) genomic region of interest where a target deletion is expected to be located. The target MIP is designed to not bind to a genomic region exhibiting the deletion. In these embodiments, binding or hybridization between a target MIP and the target site of deletion is expected to not occur. The absence of such binding or hybridization indicates the presence of the target deletion. In these embodiments, the phrase “capturing a target site” or the phrase “capturing a target sequence” refers to detection of a target deletion by detecting the absence of such binding or hybridization.

The term “MIP replicon” or “circular replicon”, as used herein, refers to a circular nucleic acid molecule generated via a capturing reaction (e.g., a binding or hybridization reaction between a MIP and its targeted sequence). In some embodiments, the MIP replicon is a single-stranded circular nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, a targeting MIP captures or hybridizes to a target sequence or site. After the capturing reaction or hybridization, a ligation/extension mixture is introduced to extend and ligate the gap region between the two targeting polynucleotide arms to form single-stranded circular nucleotide molecules, i.e., a targeting MIP replicon. In some embodiments, a control MIP captures or hybridizes to a control sequence or site. After the capturing reaction or hybridization, a ligation/extension mixture is introduced to extend and ligate the gap region between the two control polynucleotide arms to form single-stranded circular nucleotide molecules, i.e., a control MIP replicon. MIP replicons may be amplified through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to produce a plurality of targeting MIP amplicons, which are double-stranded nucleic acid molecules. MIP replicons find particular application in rolling circle amplification, or RCA. RCA is an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technique where a DNA polymerase continuously adds single nucleotides to a primer annealed to a circular template, which results in a long concatemer of single stranded DNA that contains tens to hundreds of tandem repeats (complementary to the circular template). See, e.g., M. Ali, et al. “Rolling circle amplification: a versatile tool for chemical biology, materials science and medicine”. Chemical Society Reviews. 43 (10): 3324-3341, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, for all purposes. See also WO 2015/083002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, for all purposes.

Polymerases typically used in RCA for DNA amplification are Phi29, Bst, and Vent exo-DNA polymerases, with Phi29 DNA polymerase being preferred in view of its superior processivity and strand displacement ability

The term “amplicon”, as used herein, refers to a nucleic acid generated via amplification reaction (e.g., a PCR reaction). In some embodiments, the amplicon is a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, the amplicon is a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, a targeting MIP replicon is amplified using conventional techniques to produce a plurality of targeting MIP amplicons, which are double-stranded nucleotide molecules. In some embodiments, a control MIP replicon is amplified using conventional techniques to produce a plurality of control MIP amplicons, which are double-stranded nucleotide molecules.

The term “probe oligonucleotide” or “flap oligonucleotide” when used in reference to a flap assay (e.g., an INVADER invasive cleavage assay), refers to an oligonucleotide that interacts with a target nucleic acid to form a cleavage structure in the presence of an invasive oligonucleotide.

The term “invasive oligonucleotide” refers to an oligonucleotide that hybridizes to a target nucleic acid at a location adjacent to the region of hybridization between a probe and the target nucleic acid, wherein the 3′ end of the invasive oligonucleotide comprises a portion (e.g., a chemical moiety, or one or more nucleotides) that overlaps with the region of hybridization between the probe and target. The 3′ terminal nucleotide of the invasive oligonucleotide may or may not base pair a nucleotide in the target. In some embodiments, the invasive oligonucleotide contains sequences at its 3′ end that are substantially the same as sequences located at the 5′ end of a portion of the probe oligonucleotide that anneals to the target strand.

The term “flap endonuclease” or “FEN,” as used herein, refers to a class of nucleolytic enzymes, typically 5′ nucleases, that act as structure-specific endonucleases on DNA structures with a duplex containing a single stranded 5′ overhang, or flap, on one of the strands that is displaced by another strand of nucleic acid (e.g., such that there are overlapping nucleotides at the junction between the single and double-stranded DNA). FENs catalyze hydrolytic cleavage of the phosphodiester bond at the junction of single and double stranded DNA, releasing the overhang, or the flap. Flap endonucleases are reviewed by Ceska and Savers (Trends Biochem. Sci. 1998 23:331-336) and Liu et al (Annu. Rev. Biochem. 2004 73: 589-615; herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). FENs may be individual enzymes, multi-subunit enzymes, or may exist as an activity of another enzyme or protein complex (e.g., a DNA polymerase).

A flap endonuclease may be thermostable. For example, FEN-1 flap endonuclease from archival thermophiles organisms are typical thermostable. As used herein, the term “FEN-1” refers to a non-polymerase flap endonuclease from a eukaryote or archaeal organism. See, e.g., WO 02/070755, and Kaiser M. W., et al. (1999) J. Biol. Chem., 274:21387, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties for all purposes.

As used herein, the term “cleaved flap” refers to a single-stranded oligonucleotide that is a cleavage product of a flap assay.

The term “cassette,” when used in reference to a flap cleavage reaction, refers to an oligonucleotide or combination of oligonucleotides configured to generate a detectable signal in response to cleavage of a flap or probe oligonucleotide, e.g., in a primary or first cleavage structure formed in a flap cleavage assay. In preferred embodiments, the cassette hybridizes to a non-target cleavage product produced by cleavage of a flap oligonucleotide to form a second overlapping cleavage structure, such that the cassette can then be cleaved by the same enzyme, e.g., a FEN-1 endonuclease.

In some embodiments, the cassette is a single oligonucleotide comprising a hairpin portion (i.e., a region wherein one portion of the cassette oligonucleotide hybridizes to a second portion of the same oligonucleotide under reaction conditions, to form a duplex). In other embodiments, a cassette comprises at least two oligonucleotides comprising complementary portions that can form a duplex under reaction conditions. In preferred embodiments, the cassette comprises a label, e.g., a fluorophore. In particularly preferred embodiments, a cassette comprises labeled moieties that produce a FRET effect. In such embodiments, the cassette may be referred to as a “FRET cassette.” See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,096,893, issued Aug. 4, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, for all purposes.

As used herein, the phrase “not substantially complementary” as used in reference to a probe flap or arm means that the flap portion is sufficiently non-complementary not to hybridize selectively to a nucleic acid sequence, e.g., a target nucleic acid or amplified DNA, under the designated annealing conditions or stringent conditions, encompassing the terms “substantially non-complementary” and “perfectly non-complementary.”

The term “signal” as used herein refers to any detectable effect, such as would be caused or provided by a label or by action or accumulation of a component or product in an assay reaction.

As used herein, the term “detector” refers to a system or component of a system, e.g., an instrument (e.g. a camera, fluorimeter, charge-coupled device, scintillation counter, solid state nanopore device, etc.) or a reactive medium (X-ray or camera film, pH indicator, etc.), that can convey to a user or to another component of a system (e.g., a computer or controller) the presence of a signal or effect. A detector is not limited to a particular type of signal detected, and can be a photometric or spectrophotometric system, which can detect ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, including fluorescence or chemiluminescence; a radiation detection system; a charge detection system; a system for detection of an electronic signal, e.g., a current or charge perturbation; a spectroscopic system such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry or surface enhanced Raman spectrometry; a system such as gel or capillary electrophoresis or gel exclusion chromatography; or other detection system known in the art, or combinations thereof.

The term “detection” as used herein refers to quantitatively or qualitatively identifying an analyte (e.g., DNA, RNA or a protein), e.g., within a sample. The term “detection assay” as used herein refers to a kit, test, or procedure performed for the purpose of detecting an analyte within a sample. Detection assays produce a detectable signal or effect when performed in the presence of the target analyte, and include but are not limited to assays incorporating the processes of hybridization, nucleic acid cleavage (e.g., exo- or endonuclease), nucleic acid amplification, nucleotide sequencing, primer extension, nucleic acid ligation, antigen-antibody binding, interaction of a primary antibody with a secondary antibody, and/or conformational change in a nucleic acid (e.g., an oligonucleotide) or polypeptide (e.g., a protein or small peptide).

As used herein, the term “prenatal or pregnancy-related disease or condition” refers to any disease, disorder, or condition affecting a pregnant woman, embryo, or fetus. Prenatal or pregnancy-related conditions can also refer to any disease, disorder, or condition that is associated with or arises, either directly or indirectly, as a result of pregnancy. These diseases or conditions can include any and all birth defects, congenital conditions, or hereditary diseases or conditions. Examples of prenatal or pregnancy-related diseases include, but are not limited to, Rhesus disease, hemolytic disease of the newborn, beta-thalassemia, sex determination, determination of pregnancy, a hereditary Mendelian genetic disorder, chromosomal aberrations, a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy, fetal chromosomal trisomy, fetal chromosomal monosomy, trisomy 8, trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrom), trisomy 16, trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), X-chromosome linked disorders, trisomy X (XXX syndrome), monosomy X (Turner syndrome), XXY syndrome, XYY syndrome, XYY syndrome, XXXY syndrome, XXYY syndrome, XYYY syndrome, XXXXX syndrome, XXXXY syndrome, XXXYY syndrome, XXYYY syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, fetal growth restriction, cystic fibrosis, a hemoglobinopathy, fetal death, fetal alcohol syndrome, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, Klinefelter syndrome, dup(17)(p11.2p1.2) syndrome, endometriosis, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, dup(22)(q11.2q11.2) syndrome, cat eye syndrome, cri-du-chat syndrome, Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, Williams-Beuren syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies, Smith-Magenis syndrome, neurofibromatosis, Alagille syndrome, Velocardiofacial syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, steroid sulfatase deficiency, Prader-Willi syndrome, Kallmann syndrome, microphthalmia with linear skin defects, adrenal hypoplasia, glycerol kinase deficiency, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, testis-determining factor on Y, azospermia (factor a), azospermia (factor b), azospermia (factor c), 1p36 deletion, phenylketonuria, Tay-Sachs disease, adrenal hyperplasia, Fanconi anemia, spinal muscular atrophy, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, Huntington's disease, myotonic dystrophy, Robertsonian translocation, Angelman syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, ataxia telangieltasia, open spina bifida, neural tube defects, ventral wall defects, small-for-gestational-age, congenital cytomegalovirus, achondroplasia, Marfan's syndrome, congenital hypothyroidism, congenital toxoplasmosis, biotinidase deficiency, galactosemia, maple syrup urine disease, homocystinuria, medium-chain acyl Co-A dehydrogenase deficiency, structural birth defects, heart defects, abnormal limbs, club foot, anencephaly, arhinencephaly/holoprosencephaly, hydrocephaly, anophthalmos/microphthalmos, anotia/microtia, transposition of great vessels, tetralogy of Fallot, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, coarctation of aorta, cleft palate without cleft lip, cleft lip with or without cleft palate, oesophageal atresia/stenosis with or without fistula, small intestine atresia/stenosis, anorectal atresia/stenosis, hypospadias, indeterminate sex, renal agenesis, cystic kidney, preaxial polydactyly, limb reduction defects, diaphragmatic hernia, blindness, cataracts, visual problems, hearing loss, deafness, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, Rett syndrome, lysosomal disorders, cerebral palsy, autism, aglossia, albinism, ocular albinism, oculocutaneous albinism, gestational diabetes, Arnold-Chiari malformation, CHARGE syndrome, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, brachydactlia, aniridia, cleft foot and hand, heterochromia, Dwarnian ear, Ehlers Danlos syndrome, epidermolysis bullosa, Gorham's disease, Hashimoto's syndrome, hydrops fetalis, hypotonia, Klippel-Feil syndrome, muscular dystrophy, osteogenesis imperfecta, progeria, Smith Lemli Opitz symdrom, chromatelopsia, X-linked lymphoproliferative disease, omphalocele, gastroschisis, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, pre-term labor, premature birth, miscarriage, delayed intrauterine growth, ectopic pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum, morning sickness, or likelihood for successful induction of labor.

In some NIPT embodiments, the technology described herein further includes estimating a fetal fraction for a sample, wherein the fetal fraction is used to aid in the determination of whether the genetic data from the test subject is indicative of an aneuploidy. Methods for determining or calculating fetal fraction are known in the art.

As used herein, the term “valid detection assay” refers to a detection assay that has been shown to accurately predict an association between the detection of a target and a phenotype (e.g. medical condition). Examples of valid detection assays include, but are not limited to, detection assays that, when a target is detected, accurately predict the phenotype medical 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.8%, or 99.9% of the time. Other examples of valid detection assays include, but are not limited to, detection assays that qualify as and/or are marketed as Analyte-Specific Reagents (i.e. as defined by FDA regulations) or In-Vitro Diagnostics (i.e. approved by the FDA).

As used herein, the term “kit” refers to any delivery system for delivering materials. In the context of reaction assays, such delivery systems include systems that allow for the storage, transport, or delivery of reaction reagents (e.g., oligonucleotides, enzymes, etc. in the appropriate containers) and/or supporting materials (e.g., buffers, written instructions for performing the assay etc.) from one location to another. For example, kits include one or more enclosures (e.g., boxes) containing the relevant reaction reagents and/or supporting materials. As used herein, the term “fragmented kit” refers to a delivery systems comprising two or more separate containers that each contain a subportion of the total kit components. The containers may be delivered to the intended recipient together or separately. For example, a first container may contain an enzyme for use in an assay, while a second container contains oligonucleotides. The term “fragmented kit” is intended to encompass kits containing Analyte specific reagents (ASR's) regulated under section 520(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, but are not limited thereto. Indeed, any delivery system comprising two or more separate containers that each contains a subportion of the total kit components are included in the term “fragmented kit.” In contrast, a “combined kit” refers to a delivery system containing all of the components of a reaction assay in a single container (e.g., in a single box housing each of the desired components). The term “kit” includes both fragmented and combined kits.

As used herein, the term “information” refers to any collection of facts or data. In reference to information stored or processed using a computer system(s), including but not limited to internets, the term refers to any data stored in any format (e.g., analog, digital, optical, etc.). As used herein, the term “information related to a subject” refers to facts or data pertaining to a subject (e.g., a human, plant, or animal). The term “genomic information” refers to information pertaining to a genome including, but not limited to, nucleic acid sequences, genes, allele frequencies, RNA expression levels, protein expression, phenotypes correlating to genotypes, etc. “Allele frequency information” refers to facts or data pertaining allele frequencies, including, but not limited to, allele identities, statistical correlations between the presence of an allele and a characteristic of a subject (e.g., a human subject), the presence or absence of an allele in an individual or population, the percentage likelihood of an allele being present in an individual having one or more particular characteristics, etc.

As used herein, the term “assay validation information” refers to genomic information and/or allele frequency information resulting from processing of test result data (e.g. processing with the aid of a computer). Assay validation information may be used, for example, to identify a particular candidate detection assay as a valid detection assay.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 provides a schematic diagram of a molecular inversion probe (MIP) for chromosome-specific recognition, suitable for use in massively multiplexed capture assays.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of multiplexed chromosome-specific rolling circle amplification.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of multiplexed chromosome-specific rolling circle amplification using molecular beacon probes for detection.

FIG. 4 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising circularizing cfDNA using a single-strand ligase (e.g., CircLigase™ thermostable RNA ligase) to make “native circles” for detection.

FIG. 5 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising circularizing cfDNA and using “Golden Gate Assembly” to add segments for detection (see, e.g., Engler, C., Kandzia, R., and Marillonnet, S. (2008) PLoS ONE 3, e3647.)

FIG. 6 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising circularizing cfDNA using extension ligation on a unique molecular inversion-inducing template, with detection using an embodiment of RCA.

FIG. 7 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising a unique molecular inversion inducing template that is extended and ligated to create a circular DNA molecule, with detection using an embodiment of RCA.

FIG. 8 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising a synthetic circular DNA comprising binding sites for probe binding and a primer binding site for replication, for use, e.g., as a template for rolling circle amplification.

FIG. 9 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising use of pairs of probes configured for collisional quenching when hybridized to a strand of DNA, for use in detection of product from RCA.

FIG. 10 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising use of pairs of probes configured for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) when hybridized to a strand of DNA, for use in detection of product from RCA.

FIG. 11 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising use of probes comprising a dye and a quencher, configured to be cleaved, e.g., using a duplex-specific nuclease, such as a restriction enzyme, when hybridized to a strand of DNA, for use in detection of product from RCA.

FIG. 12 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising use of RCA of CIDS, followed by CID-specific digestion and CID-specific labeling.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which MIPs hybridize to target nucleic acid, e.g., cfDNA, leaving a single nucleotide gap. The gap is filled by extension to incorporate a biotinylated nucleotide, and closed by ligation. The circularized MIPs may then be bound to a streptavidin-coated surface.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of an initiator oligonucleotide hybridized to a MIP immobilized on a surface.

FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of hairpin oligonucleotides that work together to form a self-assembling scaffold in the presence of an initiator oligonucleotide.

FIG. 16 illustrates a self-assembled scaffold comprising multiple labels, e.g., fluorescent dyes.

FIG. 17 provide a schematic diagram of an invasive cleavage structure according to an embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 18 provides an illustration of a hairpin probe for use in forming an invasive cleavage structure for a flap endonuclease assay, e.g., an Invader® assay, according to an embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 19 provides an illustration of the accumulation of cleaved flap fragments in a flap endonuclease assay.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment in which a cleaved biotinylated flap is captured using an immobilized complementary probe, and the biotin is reacted with streptavidin linked to an enzyme, e.g., β-galactosidase.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of the technology in which MIPs designed to target different chromosomes each require a different nucleotide to extend and ligate, and wherein the MIPs are extended and ligated in a chromosome-specific manner using nucleotides which carry different dyes or haptens for each different dNTP.

FIG. 22, panels A, B, and C, illustrate embodiments of the technology in which MIPs contain or are modified to contain an immobilization moiety, or are hybridized to an oligonucleotide containing an immobilization moiety, and are immobilized on a surface.

FIG. 23 provides a schematic diagram of a rolling circle amplification reaction.

FIG. 24, panels A-D provide graphs showing results from examining the effect on RCA signal of including biotin residues in the MIP complex.

FIGS. 25 A-C provide graphs showing the results of varying amounts of components in standard RCA reactions in solution.

FIG. 26 provides graphs comparing the effects on signal accumulation of using different molecular weights of PEG at the percentages (w:v) shown.

FIGS. 27A-27B and FIG. 28 show results achieved in RCA reactions performed using primers bound to glass surfaces in an irregular dispersion, with detection using molecular beacon probes comprising a quencher and fluorophore.

FIG. 27A shows microscope images of surfaces of APTES-silanized plates, as described in Example 1, and compares RCA signal with or without PEG.

FIG. 27B provides graphs showing the effects of PEG on the number and fluorescence intensity of the spots shown in FIG. 27A.

FIG. 28 provides graphs showing the effects of different molecular weights of PEG in a 20% solution on the number and fluorescence intensity of the spots on APTES-silanized plates, as described in Example 1.

FIG. 29A shows microscope images of surfaces of APTES-silanized plates, as described in Example 1, and compares RCA signal for reactions hybridized for 18 hours or 1 hour prior to initiating the RCA reaction.

FIG. 29B provides graphs comparing the effects of hybridization time and buffer on the number and fluorescence intensity (area) of the spots shown in FIG. 29A.

FIG. 30 provides graphs comparing the effects of PEG 200 on the standard RCA reaction conditions, with or without a 2 hour hybridization time, and the effect of PEG 2000 with 2 hour hybridization, on the number and fluorescence intensity (area) of the spots.

FIG. 31 provides graphs comparing the effects of PEG 200 on the standard RCA reaction conditions performed at 25° C., with or without a 2 hour hybridization time, and the effect of PEG 2000 with 2 hour hybridization, on the number and fluorescence intensity (area) of the spots.

FIG. 32 provides graphs comparing the effects of PEG 200 on the standard RCA reaction conditions performed at 37° C., with or without a 2 hour hybridization time, and the effect of PEG 2000 with 2 hour hybridization, on the number and fluorescence intensity (area) of the spots.

FIG. 33 shows microscope images of surfaces of APTES-silanized plates, as described in Example 1, and compares RCA signal for reactions comprising PEG 600 at the indicated concentrations, performed at 37° C. or 45° C.

FIG. 34 provides a schematic diagram of RCA-molecular beacon products on a surface, with or without graphene oxide, with graphene oxide quenching fluorescence background from beacons bound non-specifically to the surface.

FIG. 35 provides a schematic diagram of a two-step RCA reaction, in which the rolling circle reaction is started, the molecular beacon and graphene oxide are added, and the RCA reaction is further incubated, as described in Example 1.

FIG. 36 shows microscope images of surfaces of APTES-silanized plates, as described in Example 1, and shows RCA signal for two-step reactions graphene oxide.

FIG. 37 provides a graph comparing spot counts for RCA reactions done one step (no GO) or two steps (with or without GO), comparing reactions with 100 fmol of target to reactions with no target.

FIG. 38 provides schematic diagrams of different capture complexes for applications of embodiments of the technology to detection of different types of target molecules.

FIG. 39 provides a schematic diagram of applications of the technology to detection of immobilized antigens.

FIG. 40 provides a schematic diagram of applications of the technology to detection of immobilized antigen-antibody complexes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A goal in molecular diagnostics has been to achieve accurate, sensitive detection of analytes in as little time as possible with the least amount of labor and steps as possible. One manner in which this is achieved is the multiplex detection of analytes in samples, allowing multiple detection events in a single reaction vessel or solution. However, many of the existing diagnostic methods, including multiplex reaction, still require many steps, including sample preparation steps that add to the time, complexity, and cost of conducting reactions. The present invention, in some embodiments, provides solutions to these problems by providing assay that can be conducted directly in unpurified or untreated biological samples (e.g., blood or plasma).

In some embodiments, the technologies provided herein provide economical methods for testing samples in a manner that counts the number of copies of a specific nucleic acid or protein in a sample or portion of a sample in a digital manner, i.e., by detecting individual copies of the molecules, without use of a sequencing step (e.g., a digital or “next gen” sequencing step). The technologies find use for measuring target molecules such as nucleic acid molecules in any kind of sample, including but not limited to, e.g., samples collected for from a subject for diagnostic screening. Embodiments of the technology provided herein find use in, for example, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and other genetic analysis. Embodiments of the technology implement one or more steps of nucleic acid extraction, MIP probe design, MIP amplification/replication, and/or methods for measuring signal from circularized MIPs. In preferred embodiments, the technology provides methods for immobilizing MIPs on a surface and detecting immobilized MIPs. In preferred embodiments, immobilized MIPs are detected using rolling circle amplification.

In preferred embodiments, the methods of the technology comprise a target-recognition event, typically comprising hybridization of a target nucleic acid, e.g., a sample of patient DNA, to another nucleic acid molecule, e.g., a synthetic probe. In preferred embodiments, the target recognition event creates conditions in which a unique product is produced (e.g., a probe oligonucleotide that has been extended, ligated, and/or cleaved), the product then being indicative that the target is present in the reaction and that the probe hybridized to it.

A number of different “front-end” methods for recognizing target nucleic acid and producing a new product are described herein. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiments in the Figures, the technology provides a number of ways to produce circularized molecules for use in a “back end” detection/readout step (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-3, 13-18, 34, 35, and 38-40). The technology also provides methods to signal the presence of a target nucleic acid using other probe types, such as a probe that can be cleaved by a flap endonuclease in the presence of the target nucleic acid (see, e.g., FIGS. 17-19). Each of these front-end embodiments can be used to produce a distinctive molecule, e.g., a circular or cleaved oligonucleotide.

These distinctive molecules may be configured to have one or more features useful for capture and/or identification in a downstream backend detection step. Examples of molecules and features produced in a front-end reaction include circularized MIPs having joined sequences (e.g., a complete target-specific sequence formed by ligation of the 3′ and 5′ ends of the probe), having added sequences (e.g., copied portions of a target template) and/or tagged nucleotides (e.g., nucleotides attached to biotin, dyes, quenchers, haptens, and/or other moieties), or products such as single-stranded arms released from a flap cleavage reaction (see, e.g., FIGS. 17-19). In some embodiments, the MIPs comprise a feature in a portion of the probe, e.g., in the backbone of the probe.

Examples of back-end analysis methods for amplifying and/or detecting the unique products of the front-end are provided, e.g., in FIGS. 2-3, 6-7, 9-12, 15-16, 20-21, 34, 35, and 38-40.

Although the technology is discussed by reference to particular embodiments, such as combinations of certain front-end target-dependent reactions with particular back-end signal amplification methods and detection platforms (e.g., biotin-incorporated MIP of FIGS. 13-16 coupled with an enzyme-free hybridization chain reaction back-end; biotin-tagged cleaved flaps (as in FIG. 19) coupled with capture to a surface, followed by hybridization to an enzyme-linked probe that produces fluorescence signal catalytically (as shown in FIG. 20), the invention is not limited to the particular combinations of front-end and back-end methods and configurations disclosed herein, or to any particular methods of detecting a signal from the assay products. It will be appreciated that skilled person may readily adapt one front-end to work with an alternative back-end. For example, the circularized MIP of FIG. 14 may be captured and detected using the enzyme-linked probe of FIG. 20, or might alternatively be amplified in a rolling circle amplification assay, exemplified in FIGS. 2-3, 8-7, 9-12, 21, 34, 35, and 38-40. Similarly, the cleaved flap as shown in FIG. 19 may be detected using a hybridization chain reaction, as depicted in FIGS. 19-20; and a circularized MIP or an RCA amplicon may be detected using an invasive cleavage reaction as diagrammed in FIG. 17, and so forth.

Further, although the technology is discussed in reference to particular target nucleic acids, e.g., cell-free DNA in plasma, the invention is not limited to any particular form of DNA, or to any particular type of nucleic acid, or to any particular type of variation in a nucleic acid. It will be appreciated that the skilled person may readily configure embodiments of the technology for detecting and counting mutations, insertions, deletions, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and epigenetic variations in methylation (e.g., variations in methylation of particular CpG dinucleotides by analysis of DNA treated with a reagent that converts unmethylated cytosines to uracils, thereby creating detectable sequence variations that reflect cytosine methylation variations in target DNAs).

In some embodiments, assays are performed in a multiplexed manner. In some embodiments, multiplexed assays can be performed under conditions that allow different loci to reach more similar levels of amplification.

FIG. 1 provides a schematic diagram of a molecular inversion probe (MIP). The molecular inversion probe contains first and second targeting polynucleotide arms that are complementary to adjacent or proximal regions on a target nucleic acid to be detected, with a polynucleotide linker or “backbone” connecting the two arms (see FIG. 1).

In the presence of a complementary target nucleic acid, the MIP can be circularized to form a MIP replicon suitable for detection. In some embodiments, the MIP is simply ligated using a nick repair enzyme, e.g., T4 DNA ligase, while in some embodiments closing of the probe to form a circle comprises additional modification of the probe to create a ligatable nick, e.g., cleavage of an overlap between the termini, filling of a gap between the termini using a nucleic acid polymerase, etc.

A target site or sequence, as used herein, refers to a portion or region of a nucleic acid sequence that is sought to be sorted out from other nucleic acids in the sample that have other sequences, which is informative for determining the presence or absence of a genetic disorder or condition (e.g., the presence or absence of mutations, polymorphisms, deletions, insertions, aneuploidy etc.). A control site or sequence, as used herein, refers to a site that has known or normal copy numbers of a particular control gene. In some embodiments, the targeting MIPs comprise in sequence the following components: first targeting polynucleotide arm—first unique targeting molecular tag—polynucleotide linker—second unique targeting molecular tag—second targeting polynucleotide arm. In some embodiments, a target population of the targeting MIPs are used in the methods of the disclosure. In the target population, the pairs of the first and second targeting polynucleotide arms in each of the targeting MIPs are identical and are substantially complementary to first and second regions in the nucleic acid that, respectively, flank the target site. See, e.g., WO 2017/020023 and WO 2017/020024, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the length of each of the targeting polynucleotide arms is between 18 and 35 base pairs. In some embodiments, the length of each of the targeting polynucleotide arms is 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 base pairs, or any size ranges between 18 and 35 base pairs. In some embodiments, the length of each of the control polynucleotide arms is between 18 and 35 base pairs. In some embodiments, the length of each of the control polynucleotide arms is 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 base pairs, or any size ranges between 18 and 35 base pairs. In some embodiments, each of the targeting polynucleotide arms has a melting temperature between 57° C. and 63° C. In some embodiments, each of the targeting polynucleotide arms has a melting temperature at 57° C., 58° C., 59° C., 60° C., 61° C., 62° C., or 63° C., or any size ranges between 57° C. and 63° C. In some embodiments, each of the control polynucleotide arms has a melting temperature between 57° C. and 63° C. In some embodiments, each of the control polynucleotide arms has a melting temperature at 57° C., 58° C., 59° C., 60° C., 61° C., 62° C., or 63° C., or any size ranges between 57° C. and 63° C. In some embodiments, each of the targeting polynucleotide arms has a GC content between 30% and 70%. In some embodiments, each of the targeting polynucleotide arms has a GC content of 30-40%, or 30-50%, or 30-60%, or 40-50%, or 40-60%, or 40-70%, or 50-60%, or 50-70%, or any size ranges between 30% and 70%, or any specific percentage between 30% and 70%. In some embodiments, each of the control polynucleotide arms has a GC content between 30% and 70%. In some embodiments, each of the control polynucleotide arms has a GC content of 30-40%, or 30-50%, or 30-60%, or 40-50%, or 40-60%, or 40-70%, or 50-60%, or 50-70%, or any size ranges between 30% and 70%, or any specific percentage between 30% and 70%.

In some embodiments, the polynucleotide linker is not substantially complementary to any genomic region of the sample or the subject. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide linker has a length of between 30 and 40 base pairs. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide linker has a length of 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, or 39 base pairs, or any interval between 30 and 40 base pairs. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide linker has a melting temperature of between 60° C. and 80° C. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide linker has a melting temperature of 60° C., 65° C., 70° C., 75° C., or 80° C., or any interval between 60° C. and 80° C., or any specific temperature between 60° C. and 80° C. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide linker has a GC content between 40% and 60%. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide linker has a GC content of 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, or 60%, or any interval between 40% and 60%, or any specific percentage between 40% and 60%.

In some embodiments, a targeting MIPs replicons is produced by: i) the first and second targeting polynucleotide arms, respectively, hybridizing to the first and second regions in the nucleic acid that, respectively, flank the target site; and ii) after the hybridization, using a ligation/extension mixture to extend and ligate the gap region between the two targeting polynucleotide arms to form single-stranded circular nucleic acid molecules.

In certain embodiments, the methods described herein are used to detect exonic deletions or insertions or duplication. In some embodiments, the target site (or sequence) is a deletion or insertion or duplication in a gene of interest or a genomic region of interest. In some embodiments, the target site is a deletion or insertion or duplication in one or more exons of a gene of interest. In some embodiments, the target multiple exons are consecutive. In some embodiments, the target multiple exons are non-consecutive. In some embodiments, the first and second targeting polynucleotide arms of MIPs are designed to hybridize upstream and downstream of the deletion (or insertion, or duplication) or deleted (or inserted, or duplicated) genomic region (e.g., one or more exons) in a gene or a genomic region of interest. In some embodiments, the first or second targeting polynucleotide arm of MIPs comprises a sequence that is substantially complementary to the genomic region of a gene of interest that encompasses the target deletion or duplication site (e.g., exons or partial exons).

Circular DNA molecules such as ligated MIPs are suitable substrates for amplification using rolling circle amplification (RCA). In certain embodiments of RCA, a rolling circle replication primer hybridizes to a circular nucleic acid molecule, e.g., a ligated MIP, or circularized cfDNA. Extension of the primer using a strand-displacing DNA polymerase (e.g., φ29 (Phi29), Bst Large Fragment, and Klenow fragment of E. coli Pol I DNApolymerases) results in long single-stranded DNA molecules containing repeats of a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the MIP circular molecule.

In some embodiments, ligation-mediated rolling circle amplification (LM-RCA), which involves a ligation operation prior to replication, is utilized. In the ligation operation, a probe hybridizes to its complementary target nucleic acid sequence, if present, and the ends of the hybridized probe are joined by ligation to form a covalently closed, single-stranded nucleic acid. After ligation, a rolling circle replication primer hybridizes to probe molecules to initiate rolling circle replication, as described above. Generally, LM-RCA comprises mixing an open circle probe with a target sample, resulting in an probe-target sample mixture, and incubating the probe-target sample mixture under conditions promoting hybridization between the open circle probe and a target sequence, mixing ligase with the probe-target sample mixture, resulting in a ligation mixture, and incubating the ligation mixture under conditions promoting ligation of the open circle probe to form an amplification target circle (ATC, which is also referred to an RCA replicon). A rolling circle replication primer (RCRP) is mixed with the ligation mixture, resulting in a primer-ATC mixture, which is incubated under conditions that promote hybridization between the amplification target circle and the rolling circle replication primer. DNA polymerase is mixed with the primer-ATC mixture, resulting in a polymerase-ATC mixture, which is incubated under conditions promoting replication of the amplification target circle, where replication of the amplification target circle results in formation of tandem sequence DNA (TS-DNA), i.e., a long strand of single-stranded DNA that contains a concatemer of the sequence complementary to the amplification target circle.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, circularized molecules A, B, C, and D consist of MIPs that are specific to chromosome 13, 8, 21 or to a reference chromosome such as Chr. 1. The sequence of the MIP surrounding the gap complements region of the targeted chromosome, and the backbone of the MIP contains a unique sequence that is used to hybridize a probe that will contain a specific fluorescent dye (FITC, ALEXA, Dylight, Cyan, Rhodamine dyes, quantum dots, etc.). Step 1 comprises hybridizing the MIPs to cfDNA, a single base pair extension (or longer extension), and ligation to circularize the extended MIP. Step 2 comprises rolling circle amplification of the circularized MIP so that the sequence required to hybridize to the fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide is amplified. A*, B*, C*, D* are the complement of the MIP sequence. Step 3 comprises hybridizing the fluorescently labeled probe to the rolling circle product. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, detection of the RCA product is facilitated by molecular probes instead of fluorescent dye labeled oligonucleotides.

There are multiple ways to immobilize the MIP to a surface (e.g., a bead or glass surface) For example, this may be accomplished by priming the rolling circle amplification with a modified oligonucleotide comprising a bindable moiety. Groups useful for modification of the priming oligonucleotide include but are not limited to thiol, amino, azide, alkyne, and biotin, such that the modified oligonucleotides can be immobilized using appropriate reactions, e.g., as outlined in Meyer et. al., “Advances in DNA-mediated immobilization” Current Opinions in Chemical Biology, 18:8: 8-15 (2014), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, for all purposes.

Imaging of the fluorescent dye incorporated MIPs can be accomplished by using methods comprising immobilization of MIP to a surface (glass slide or bead), e.g., using modifications of the MIP backbone to contain modified bases that can be immobilized using appropriate reactions as outlined above and in Meyer et. al., supra. and detected using an antibody. Once immobilized to a surface, an antibody directed to an incorporated tag can be used to form antibody-MIP complexes that can be imaged with microscopy. In some embodiments, the antibody may be conjugated to enhance or amplify detectable signal from the complexes. For example, conjugation of β-galactosidase to the antibody allows detection in a single molecule array (“SIMOA”), using the process described by Quanterix, wherein each complex is immobilized on a bead such that any bead has no more than one labeled immunocomplex, and the beads are distributed to an array of femtoliter-sized wells, such that each well contains, at most, one bead. With addition of resorufin-β-galactopyranoside, the β-galactosidase on the immobilized immunocomplexes catalyzes the production of resorufin, which fluoresces. Upon visualization, the fluorescence emitted in wells having an immobilized individual immunocomplexes can be detected and counted. See, e.g., Quanterix Whitepaper 1.0, Scientific Principle of Simoa (Single Molecule Array) Technology, 1-2 (2013); and Quanterix Whitepaper 6.0, Practical Application of Simoa™ HD-1 Analyzer for Ultrasensitive Multiplex Immunodetection of Protein Biomarkers, 1-3 (2015), each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes In some embodiments, the antibody-MIP complex may be directly detected, e.g., using a solid state nanopore with an antibody labeled with poly(ethylene glycol) at various of molecular weights, as described in Morin et. al., “Nanopore-Based Target Sequence Detection” PLOS One, DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0154426 (2016), incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 4 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising circularizing circulating cfDNA (ccfDNA) using a single-strand ligase (e.g., CircLigase™ thermostable RNA ligase) to make “native circles” for detection. Once created, the circular ccfDNA ““may be detected using a number of different methods, including a number of RCA methods. For example, as diagrammed in FIG. 5, one embodiment of the technology comprising circularizing cfDNA and using “Golden Gate Assembly” to add segments for detection (see, e.g., Engler, C., Kandzia, R., and Marillonnet, S. (2008) PLoS ONE 3, e3647.)

FIG. 6 illustrates an additional method of detecting ccfDNA. In this embodiment, plasma samples are processed to purify ccfDNA, as previously described (see, e.g., M. Fleischhacker, et al., Methods for isolation of cell-free plasma DNA strongly affect DNA yield, Clin Chim Acta. 2011 Nov. 20; 412(23-24):2085-8). In Step 1, ccfDNA is heat denatured and treated with T4 polynucleotide kinase to create 5′ phosphorylated and 3′ hydroxyl end DNA fragments. Additional DNA repair, such as with T4 DNA polymerase, may be used to repair DNA before heat denaturation and T4 polynucleotide kinase treatment. A complementation oligonucleotide with a 3′ protected end (so that it will not be extended by a polymerase) is hybridized to the ccfDNA. This complementary oligonucleotide consists of chromosome specific regions, A and C, and a universal sequence, B. ccfDNA is extended and ligated to complete the circular DNA molecule. Circularized ccfDNA is purified from the oligonucleotide and RCA is used by annealing an oligonucleotide to the universal sequence, B. After RCA, fluorescently labeled probes are hybridized to the rolling circle product.

FIG. 7 illustrates another method of detecting ccfDNA. Plasma samples are processed to purify ccfDNA as previously described. Step 1, ccfDNA is heat denatured. A complementation oligonucleotide with a phosphorylated 5 prime protected end is hybridized to the ccfDNA. This complementary oligonucleotide consists of chromosome specific regions, A and C, and a universal sequence, B. Both the ccfDNA and complimentary oligonucleotide is extended. However, only the complimentary oligonucleotide has a 5′ phosphate to allow completion of a circular DNA molecule. Circularized complimentary oligonucleotide is amplified by rolling circle amplification using a primer complementary to the universal sequence, B. After rolling circle amplification, fluorescently labeled probes are hybridized to the rolling circle product.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a synthetic circular DNA useful as a template for rolling circle amplification, and comprising binding rolling circle primer-binding site and two probe binding sites, and an optional binding moiety (e.g., biotin).

FIG. 9 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising use of pairs of probes configured for collisional quenching when hybridized to a strand of DNA, for use in detection of product from RCA, e.g., of a circular DNA like the one shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the dye-labeled probe in solution is not quenched, and produces signal. Probes hybridizing to the target near quencher-tagged probes would be quenched, thereby reducing the fluorescence signal. As the amount of RCA product increases, the fluorescence decreases.

FIG. 10 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising use of pairs of probes configured for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), as described above, when hybridized to a strand of DNA, for use in detection of product from RCA.

FIG. 11 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the technology comprising use of probes comprising a dye and a quencher, configured to be cleaved, e.g., using a duplex-specific nuclease, such as a restriction enzyme, when hybridized to a strand of DNA, for use in detection of product from RCA.

As diagrammed in FIG. 12, one embodiment of the technology comprising use of RCA of chromosome-specific identifier sequences (CIDs), followed by CID-specific digestion of non-targeted chromosomes, and CID-specific labeling directed to targeted CIDs. CIDs are amplified by RCA but maintain their individual single molecule identities. CID amplification increases the fluorescence signal from individual target molecules. Sequences from chromosomes that are not being analyzed are dually-repressed by enzymatic digestion and the use of labels specific only for the chromosomes being analyzed.

In some embodiments, a MIP may be detected using non-enzymatic method of signal amplification. For example, in some embodiments, a MIP is immobilized on a surface, and is detected using a method such as a triggered “hybridization chain reaction” (HCR), e.g., as described by R M Dirks, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101(43):15275-15278 (2004), and U.S. Pat. No. 8,105,778, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIGS. 13-16 illustrate an exemplary configuration using HCR for signal amplification.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which MIPs hybridize to target nucleic acid, e.g., cfDNA, leaving a single nucleotide gap. The gap is filled by extension to incorporate a biotinylated nucleotide, and closed by ligation. The circularized MIPs may then be bound to a streptavidin-coated surface, as illustrated in FIG. 14, and, after washing away any unbound MIPs, the backbone of the bound MIP is hybridized to an initiator oligonucleotide. In preferred embodiments, a spacer, e.g., an 18-atom hexa-ethyleneglycol spacer, is included between the initiator sequence and backbone-binding sequence. Preferably, the footprint of the MIP binding region is selected to have a high T_(m) (e.g., approx. 79° C.), for stable binding. As discussed above, binding tags are than biotin, such as an amine group, a thiol group, an azide, or a hapten, may be used to tag and immobilize the MIP to an appropriately reactive surface.

FIG. 15 shows examples of hairpin oligonucleotides used in the HCR to form a self-assembling scaffold. One or both oligonucleotides comprises at least one label, e.g., a fluorophore. In preferred embodiments, the dyes are positioned to provide a sufficiently large spacing in the assembled scaffold to prevent quenching effects. For example, in some embodiments, the dyes are positioned on opposite ends of the hairpins, as shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 16, once the reaction is initiated by hybridization to the initiator oligonucleotide bound to the MIP backbone, the HCR hairpins unfold and hybridize in in long strands, creating a scaffold comprising a large number of labels.

A flap endonuclease reaction (e.g., Invader assay) may be used for specific, quantitative detection of chromosomes. An exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 17-20. FIG. 17 shows an Invader oligonucleotide and a probe oligonucleotide hybridized to a target region of a chromosome. The 3′ end of the invasive oligonucleotide overlaps with the 5′ end of the region of the probe oligonucleotide that is complementary to the target region. In this embodiment, the probe oligonucleotide comprises a 5′ flap comprising a biotin moiety, and a 3′ tail comprising a label, e.g., a fluorophore. A flap endonuclease, e.g., a FEN-1 nuclease, recognizes the overlapping invasive cleavage structure and cleaved the probe in a highly specific, structure-dependent manner, releasing the 5′ flap. In preferred embodiments, the reaction is run isothermally and produces linear signal amplification, providing 10³ to 10⁴ cleaved probes per target in one to three hours, as shown schematically in FIG. 19.

In preferred embodiments, the probe oligonucleotide used comprises a hairpin structure in which the 5′ flap and the 3′ tail of the probe hybridize to each other, as illustrated in FIG. 18. The fluorophore or another moiety, e.g., 2,4 dinitrophenyl, may be used as haptens, such that uncleaved probes and/or the 3′ portions of the cleaved probes may be removed from the reaction using an antibody to the hapten for capture.

Cleaved flaps from the flap endonuclease reaction may be detected in a number of ways. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaved flap is captured using an immobilized complementary probe, and the biotin is reacted with streptavidin linked to a detectable moiety, as illustrated in FIG. 20. In the embodiment shown, the streptavidin is coupled to β-galactosidase, and a fluorescence signal is generated by providing non-fluorescent resorufin-β-galactopyranoside, which is catalyzed by the β-galactosidase to produce the D-galactose and the fluorescent dye resorufin. Using femtoliter arrays and Poisson statistics to produce a digital readout forma, single hybridization events can be detected using such enzymatic signal amplification. See, e.g., DM Rissin and DR Walt, Digital Concentration Readout of Single Enzyme Molecules Using Femtoliter Arrays and Poisson Statistics. Nano Letters 6(3):520-523 (2006); Quanterix Whitepaper 1.0, Scientific Principle of Simoa (Single Molecule Array) Technology, 1-2 (2013); and Quanterix Whitepaper 6.0, Practical Application of Simoa™ HD-1 Analyzer for Ultrasensitive Multiplex Immunodetection of Protein Biomarkers, 1-3 (2015), each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In certain preferred embodiments a kinetic readout, i.e., collecting signal from the array at two time points, is used.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21, A, B, C, and D consist of MIPs that are specific to chromosome 13, 8, 21 or a reference chromosome such as 1. The sequence of the MIP surrounding the gap complements region of the targeted chromosome and is designed to contain a single nucleotide gap. Step 1: This gap is filled in with a dNTP conjugated to a hapten such as a fluorescent dye, biotin, etc. Filling the gap introduces a different hapten into MIPs targeted to each of the different specific chromosomes. For example, addition of an A completes only MIPs targeted to chromosome 21, T completes MIPs targeted to chromosome 18, G completes MIPs targeted to chromosome 13, and C completes MIPs targeted to a reference chromosome such as chromosome 1. This approach labels these four different MIPs with a four unique haptens. Pools of MIPs targeted to each chromosome requiring a specific dNTP to complete the single extension and ligation are used to increase the number of capture events. Step 2 comprises incubating the hapten-containing MIPs with labeled antibodies specific to each hapten. The labels may comprise, e.g., a fluorescent dye, quantum dot, or other fluorescent particles. Step 3 comprises an optional step of exposing the immunocomplexes comprising the hapten-targeted primary antibodies to a labeled secondary antibody directed against the primary antibody, thereby amplifying the fluorescent signal.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, in this embodiment of the technology, MIPs designed to target different chromosomes each require a different nucleotide to extend and ligate, and wherein the MIPs are extended and ligated in a chromosome-specific manner using nucleotides which carry different dyes for each different dNTP. For example, in a preferred embodiment, CY2, CY3, CY5, and CY7 are used. The dye-tagged MIPs may be detected using antibodies specific for each different dye (and, by extension, for each different chromosome to be detected). Signal can be amplified by the use of secondary antibodies. For example, CY2 primary rabbit antibody is bound to the target MIP, and secondary goat anti-rabbit antibody is bound to primary antibody to amplify signal, etc.)

As discussed above, many different fluorescence labeling systems find application in the embodiments of the technology. In some embodiments, fluorescent dyes (e.g., fluorescein, Texas Red, TAMRA, Cy3, Cy5, may be used, e.g. attached to nucleotide analogs incorporated into oligonucleotides or extension products. In some embodiments, fluorescent particles, e.g., nanoparticles, nanocrystals, quantum dots, silica (e.g., mesoporous silica nanoparticles) polymer beads (e.g., latex), may be used.

Many options exist for detection and quantitation of fluorescence signal from the embodiments of the technology described hereinabove. Detection can be based on measuring, for example physicochemical, electromagnetic, electrical, optoelectronic or electrochemical properties, or characteristics of the immobilized molecule and/or target molecule. Two factors that are pertinent to single molecule detection of molecules on a surface are achieving sufficient spatial resolution to resolve individual molecules, and distinguishing the desired single molecules from background signals, e.g., from probes bound non-specifically to a surface.

Exemplary methods for detecting single molecule-associated signals are found, e.g., in WO 2016/134191, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. In some embodiments, assays are configured for standard SBS micro plate detection, e.g., in a SpectraMax microplate reader or other plate reader. While this method typically requires low-variance fluorescence (multiple wells, multiple measurements), this format can be multiplexed and read on multiple different fluorescence channels. Additionally, the format is very high throughput.

Embodiments can also be configured for detection on a surface, e.g., a glass, gold, or carbon (e.g., diamond) surface. In some embodiments, signal detection is done by any method for detecting electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) such as a method selected from far-field optical methods, near-field optical methods, epi-fluorescence spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, optical microscopy, and total internal reflection microscopy, where the target molecule is labelled with an electromagnetic radiation emitter. Other methods of microscopy, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) or other scanning probe microscopies (SPM) are also appropriate. In some embodiments, it may not be necessary to label the target. Alternatively, labels that can be detected by SPM can be used. In some embodiments, signal detection and/or measurement comprises surface reading by counting fluorescent clusters using an imaging system such as an ImageXpress imaging system (Molecular Devices, San Jose, Calif.), and similar systems.

Embodiments of the technology may be configured for detection using many other systems and instrument platforms, e.g., bead assays (e.g., Luminex), array hybridization, NanoString nCounter single molecule counting device. See, e.g., GK Geiss, et al., Direct multiplexed measurement of gene expression with color-coded probe pairs; Nature Biotechnology 26(3):317-25 (2008), U.S. Patent Publication 2018/0066309 A1 published Mar. 8, 2018, (PN Hengen, et. Al., Invent., Nanostring Technogies, Inc.), etc.

In the Luminex bead assay, color-coded beads, pre-coated with analyte-specific capture antibody for the molecule of interest, are added to the sample. Multiple analytes can be simultaneously detected in the same sample. The analyte-specific antibodies capture the analyte of interest. Biotinylated detection antibodies that are also specific to the analyte of interest are added, such that an antibody-antigen sandwich is formed. Phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated streptavidin is added, and the beads are read on a dual-laser flow-based detection instrument. The beads are read on a dual-laser flow-based detection instrument, such as the Luminex²⁰⁰™ or Bio-Rad® Bio-Plex® analyzer. One laser classifies the bead and determines the analyte that is being detected. The second laser determines the magnitude of the PE-derived signal, which is in direct proportion to the amount of bound analyte.

The NanoString nCounter is a single-molecule counting device for the digital quantification of hundreds of different genes in a single multiplexed reaction. The technology uses molecular “barcodes”, each of which is color-coded and attached to a single probe corresponding to a gene (or other nucleic acid) of interest, in combination with solid-phase hybridization and automated imaging and detection. See, e.g. Geiss, et al., supra, which describes use of unique pairs of capture and reporter probes constructed to detect each nucleic acid of interest. In the embodiment described, probes are mixed together with the nucleic acid, e.g., unpartitioned cfDNA, or total RNA from a sample, in a single solution-phase hybridization reaction. Hybridization results in the formation of tripartite structures composed of a target nucleic acid bound to its specific reporter and capture probes, and unhybridized reporter and capture probes are removed e.g., by affinity purification. The hybridization complexes are exposed to an appropriate capture surface, e.g., a streptavidin-coated surface when biotin immobilization tags are used, After capture on the surface, an applied electric field extends and orients each complex in the solution in the same direction. The complexes are then immobilized in the elongated state and are imaged. Each target molecule of interest can thus be identified by the color code generated by the ordered fluorescent segments present on the reporter probe, and tallied to count the target molecules.

FIG. 22, panels A, B, and C, illustrate embodiments of the technology in which MIPs comprising or attached to an immobilization moiety are immobilized on a surface. While not limited to any particular embodiment for incorporating a unique feature indicative of target recognition into a circularized MIP molecule, the embodiments of FIG. 22 are illustrated using an embodiment comprising extension of the linear MIP using a polymerase to copy one or more nucleotides of a target nucleic acid, followed by ligation to circularize the extended probe.

In the embodiment illustrated in panel A of FIG. 22, in step 1 MIPs are hybridized with the target DNA, and are then extended by a DNA polymerase in the presence of modified dNTPs so that an immobilization moiety is incorporated into each MIP during extension. The MIP is then ligated to itself to complete the circularized probe. The modified dNTPs may comprise, but are not limited to, dNTPs comprising reactive chemistry species such as amine groups or thiol groups, or other bindable features, such as biotin or an antibody hapten. In step 2, circularized MIPs are exposed to a surface under conditions in which the surface interacts with the immobilization feature of the MIP to bind the MIP. Such surfaces include but are not limited to derivatized or underivatized glass, silica, diamond, gold, agarose, plastic, ferromagnetic material, alloys, etc., and may be in any form, e.g., slide, sample well, channel, bead, particle and/or nanoparticles, any of which may be porous or non-porous.

In the embodiment illustrated in panel B of FIG. 22, in step 1, MIPs are hybridized with target DNA and ligated to circularize. In the embodiment shown, the MIP is extended by a DNA polymerase to fill a sequence gap prior to ligation, while in other embodiments, the MIP may be designed to be simply hybridized to the target nucleic acid and ligated to circularize without use of a polymerization step, in the manner, e.g., of padlock probes See, e.g., M. Nilsson, et al. “Padlock probes: circularizing oligonucleotides for localized DNA detection”. Science. 265 (5181): 2085-2088 (1994). In step 2, the circular MIP is hybridized to a complementary oligonucleotide that contains an immobilization moiety as described above, e.g., a reactive amine, a reactive thiol group, biotin, a hapten, etc. In step 3, the hybrid MIP complex of the MIP and the oligonucleotide comprising the immobilization moiety is exposed to a surface under conditions in which the surface interacts with the immobilization feature of the MIP complex to bind the MIP complex. As described above, surfaces include but are not limited to derivatized or underivatized glass, silica, diamond, gold, agarose, plastic, ferromagnetic material, alloys, etc., and may be in any form, e.g., slide, sample well, channel, bead, particle and/or nanoparticles, any of which may be porous or non-porous.

In the embodiment illustrated in panel C of FIG. 22, in step 1, MIPs that contain an immobilization moiety built into the backbone of the probe are hybridized with DNA, extended by a DNA polymerase, and ligated to circularize the probe. As with the embodiment of panel B described above, the MIPs may be designed to be simply hybridized to a target nucleic acid and ligated to circularize without use of a polymerization step. In step 2, the circularized MIP containing the immobilization moiety is exposed to a surface under conditions in which the surface interacts with the immobilization feature of the MIP to bind the MIP. As described above, surfaces include but are not limited to derivatized or underivatized glass, silica, diamond, gold, agarose, plastic, ferromagnetic material, alloys, etc., and may be in any form, e.g., slide, sample well, channel, bead, particle and/or nanoparticles, any of which may be porous or non-porous.

In each of the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 22, once the MIPs have been immobilized to a surface, labeling and/or signal amplification (e.g., fluorescent labeling and/or amplification of fluorescent signal) and detection can be accomplished using any of the various back-end analysis methods discussed herein. Suitable methods for amplifying and/or detecting the unique immobilized MIP products include but are not limited to the NanoString nCounter technology described above, and the methods illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, 6-7, 9-12, 15-16 and 20-21. In some embodiments, labeling and/or signal amplification (e.g., fluorescent labeling and/or amplification of fluorescent signal) is done before the MIPs have been immobilized to a surface.

In preferred embodiments, a back-end process configured for single molecule visualization is used. For example, as described above, is the Quanterix platform uses an array of femtoliter-sized wells that capture beads having no more than one tagged complex, with the signal from the captured complexes developed using a resorufin-β-galactopyranoside/β-galactosidase reaction to produce fluorescent resorufin. Visualization of the array permits detection of the signal from each individual complex. In certain preferred embodiments, a solid state nanopore device, e.g., as described by Morin, et al., (see “Nanopore-Based Target Sequence Detection” PLoS ONE 11(5):e0154426 (2016)), is used. A solid-state nanopore is a nano-scale opening formed in a thin solid-state membrane that separates two aqueous volumes [23]. A voltage-clamp amplifier applies a voltage across the membrane while measuring the ionic current through the open pore (FIG. 1a ). When a single charged molecule such as a double-stranded DNA is captured and driven through the pore by electrophoresis, the measured current shifts, and the shift depth (δI) and duration are used to characterize the event. (Morin, et al., supra). Although DNA alone is detectable using this system, distinctive tags (e.g., different sizes of polyethylene glycol (PEG)) may be attached to highly sequence-specific probes (e.g., peptide nucleic acid probes, PNAs) to give any particular DNA-PNA-PEG complex a distinctive signature that represents the target nucleic acid detected in the front-end of the assay.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23, a complex is formed comprising an oligonucleotide primer and a circular probe, such as a MIP or ligated padlock probe. Extension of the primer in a rolling circle amplification reaction produces long strand of single-stranded DNA that contains a concatemer of the sequence complementary to the circular probe. The RCA product binds to a plurality of molecular beacon probes having a fluorophore and a quencher. Hybridization of the beacons separates the quencher from the fluorophore, allowing detection of fluorescence from the beacon. Accumulation of the RCA product may be monitored in real time by measuring an increase in fluorescence intensity that is indicative of binding of the beacons to the increasing amount of product over the time course of the reaction.

Real-time quantitation of accumulating fluorescence in reactions was used to examine the effects of attached biotin moieties on the MIP or on the primer. FIGS. 24A-24D show results from examining the effect on RCA signal of including biotin residues in the circularized MIP only (A), in the RCA primer only (B), in both (C), and in neither (D). In this experiment, the MIP contained the sequence:

(SEQ ID NO: 8)

ATGCTGCTGCTGTACTACGAGGCTAAGGCATTCTGCAAACAT-3′ (circularized).

In the biotinylated MIP above, the boxed ‘T’ shows the site of attachment of a biotin (Integrated DNA Technologies, “Internal Biotin dT”) in the MIP containing a biotin. The biotinylated primer comprised a biotin attached at the terminal ‘5’ phosphate (Integrated DNA Technologies, “′5′ Biotin-TEG”). The rolling circle reaction was conducted according to the “standard rolling circle reaction” procedure described below in Example 1, at 37° C. for one hour. These data show that the presence of biotin in the circularized MIP inhibits RCA, while the presence of biotin on the primer does not inhibit the reaction.

FIGS. 25 A-C show the results of varying amounts of components in standard RCA reactions in solution. FIG. 25A compares use of 5 units and 25 units of Phi29 polymerase in each reaction, and shows that the higher concentration of polymerase yielded consistently higher signal under the conditions tested. FIG. 25B shows the effects of using different concentrations of molecular beacon probe (“Beacon”); FIG. 25C compares the effects of using the different concentrations of Phi29 polymerase and molecular beacon probe to the effect on the standard reaction of using 200 μM or 800 μM total dNTPs. Based on these data, reactions adjusted to comprise 1000 nM beacon, 800 μM dNTPs, and 2000 nM phi 29 polymerase (80 units) were further tested.

The effects of adding different concentrations of PEG and of using different sizes of PEG to the enhanced RCA conditions (E-RCA, see Example 1, below) were examined. FIG. 26 compares the effects of using different sizes of PEG (200 and 8000) at the percentages (w:v) shown, in the E-RCA conditions. Under the conditions tested for this embodiment, PEG 200 provided superior results at all concentrations tested, with 20% PEG 200 providing the best results. In contrast, the PEG 8000 significantly reduced the efficiency of the RCA. Based on these data, RCA reactions comprising at least 20% w:v of PEG 200 were further tested.

As discussed above, single molecule detection on a surface, it is preferable that the spot size of the signal from any individual bound molecule be minimized, such that separation between spots is assured. The effects of using PEG 200 on the spot size and the number of spots detected was examined. The assays were conducted using the E-RCA conditions described below, with or without 20% w:v PEG 200, incubated for 140 min. The results are shown in FIGS. 27A-27B and 28. FIG. 27A shows that the presence of PEG decreased the spot size, enhancing measurement of fluorescence signal from individual spots. FIG. 27B shows the effects of PEG on the number and fluorescence intensity of the spots shown in FIG. 27A, and shows that addition of PEG increased the number of detectable spots while reducing the size of the spots detected.

The effects on spot count and spot size using different molecular weights of PEG in a 20% solution in reactions conducted on APTES-silanized plates were examined. Reactions on the APTES-treated surface were conducted as described in the “One-Step Rolling Circle Amplification On a Surface” in Example 1, with the PEG component modified as indicated in FIG. 28. FIG. 28 shows that spot number is maximized and spot size is minimized when the PEG used is smaller than 1000, preferably between 200 and 800, more preferably 600 average molecular weight.

The length of hybridization time prior to initiating the RCA reaction was examined. FIG. 29A shows microscope images of surfaces of APTES-silanized plates, as described in Example 1, and compares RCA signal for reactions hybridized for 18 hours or 1 hour prior to initiating the RCA reaction, in either TBS or RCA buffer The Enhanced RCA was performed as described above, with 20% PEG 600, for 140 minutes. FIG. 29B provides graphs comparing the effects of hybridization time and buffer on the number and fluorescence intensity (area) of the spots shown in FIG. 29A. These data show a substantial increase in the number of spots when with longer hybridization time.

FIGS. 30, 31, and 32 provide graphs comparing the effects of PEG 200 on the standard RCA reaction conditions, on the enhanced RCA (E-RCA) conditions, and on the E-RCA conditions with additional variations, with or without a 2 hour hybridization time, and with PEG 2000 in place of PEG 200, with a 2 hour hybridization. The reactions in each figure were all performed at the same temperature, with the reactions performed at 30° C., 25° C., and 37° C. in FIGS. 30, 31, and 32, respectively.

The number and fluorescence intensity (area) of the spots were assessed for each condition. These data show that in the presence of PEG 200, the 37° C. reaction temperature gave the best combination of high spot count and small spot size. The effect of varying the concentrations of beacon probe using higher RCA reaction temperatures was also examined. Reactions containing 1000, 2000, 4000, or 8000 nM molecular beacon probes were conducted at 37° C. or 42° C., and showed that at the higher temperature, the number of spots counted increased substantially (data not shown). While not limiting the technology to any particular mechanism of action, these data suggest that conducting the reactions at higher temperature, e.g., 42° C. or above, results in more RCA product and more bound beacon probe.

The effect of increased temperature in the presence of varying concentrations of PEG 600 was further examined. FIG. 33 shows microscope images of surfaces of APTES-silanized plates, as described in Example 1, and compares RCA signal for reactions comprising PEG 600 at the indicated concentrations, performed at 37° C. or 45° C. These data show that 45° C. reactions produced substantially higher spot counts, and that 10 to 15% w:v PEG 600 at 45° C. produced the best combination of spot count and spot size.

The effect of adding graphene oxide to the RCA surface-bound reactions was examined. A two-step RCA procedure as described in Example 2 and shown schematically in FIG. 35, was developed. FIG. 36 shows microscope images of surfaces of APTES-silanized plates, as described in Example 1, and shows RCA signal for two-step reactions graphene oxide. The negative control contained no input target and shows background from the molecular beacon probe. FIG. 37 provides a graph comparing spot counts for RCA reactions done one step (no GO) or two steps (with or without GO), comparing reactions with 100 fmol of target to reactions with no target. These data show that use of GO substantially reduces the number of background spots in the no-target control reactions, improving the signal:background result in the assay.

EXPERIMENTAL Example 1

This example provides examples of work-flows for analysis of DNA, e.g., cfDNA, from a sample such as a blood sample.

Sample Collection

Blood is collected in a standard draw from patient. A 10 mL of blood stored in a Streck blood collection tube or alternative EDTA-containing blood collection tube. The sample is transported into a lab at ambient temperature and processed as follows:

-   -   Centrifuge blood at 2000×g for 20 minutes at room temperature to         obtain a plasma fraction from the blood.     -   Transfer plasma into a new, sterile, nuclease-free polypropylene         tube and centrifuge at 3220×g for 30 minutes.         Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) Purification

Cell-free DNA is purified from plasma using standard methods, e.g., using a MagMAX Cell-Free DNA isolation kit (Thermofisher Scientific, Cat. No. A29319).

Assay Plate Preparation

Glass bottom microtiter plates are treated to immobilize an oligonucleotide that primes the rolling circle amplification of a circularized MIPs. Several approaches can be used (see, e.g., E. J. Devor, et al., “Strategies for Attaching Oligonucleotides to Solid Supports,” Integrated DNA Technologies (2005), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, for all purposes.)

1) Acid Prewash

For each method, glass bottom plates are first acid washed as follows:

-   -   (a) Add 100 μL of 0.5 N sulfuric acid into each well.     -   (b) Add foil seal to plate.     -   (c) Incubate plate at 37° C. for 2 hours rotating at 300 RPM.     -   (d) Remove well contents.     -   (e) Wash wells twice with 100 μL molecular-grade water.     -   (f) Wash wells twice with 100 μL of 95% ethanol.

2) 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) Silanization and Streptavidin-Biotin Primer Immobilization:

-   -   (a) Prepare 2% APTES by adding 200 μL 99% APTES (Sigma Aldrich,         Cat. No. 440140), 500 μL molecular-grade water, and 9.3 ml 95%         ethanol.     -   (b) Vortex solution and pipet 100 μL into each well.     -   (c) Incubate at room temperature for 15 minutes.     -   (d) Remove well contents.     -   (e) Wash wells twice with 100 μL of 95% ethanol.     -   (f) Remove last wash.     -   (g) Incubate plate at 37° C. for 24 hours.

Primer Immobilization

-   -   (h) To the amine-functionalized glass plates, add 1 nanogram of         streptavidin in 100 μL of Tris-buffered saline.     -   (i) Incubate at room temperature for 1 hour.     -   (j) Wash each well three times with 100 μL of TBS.     -   (k) Add 100 μL of a 1 μM solution of biotinylated         oligonucleotide.     -   (l) Incubate at room temperature for 1 hour.     -   (m) Wash each well three times with 100 μL of TBS.

3) Acrylic Silanization and Acrydite Primer Immobilization

-   -   (a) Prepare 4% acrylic silane by adding 400 μL 99% acrylic         silane (3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate; Sigma Aldrich,         Cat. No. 440159), 1 mL molecular-grade water, and 18.6 mL 100%         ethanol.     -   (b) Add 100 μL of 4% acrylic silane solution to each well.     -   (c) Incubate at room temperature for 15 minutes.     -   (d) Remove 4% acrylic silane solution.     -   (e) Wash each well four times with 100 μL of 100% ethanol per         wash.     -   (f) Incubate plate at 37° C. for 24 hours.     -   (g) Prepare solution of acrydite-primer by adding         -   (i) 250 μL 5×TRIS Boron EDTA (TBE) buffer,         -   (ii) 500 μL 40% acrylamide,         -   (iii) 17.5 μL 10% ammonium persulfate,         -   (iv) 5 μL tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED),         -   (v) 25 μL 100 μM oligonucleotide primer comprising a ‘5’             acrydite (or acrylic-phosphoramidite)         -   (vi) 1.7 mL of molecular-grade water.     -   (h) Add 25 μL of acrydite primer solution to each well and         gently agitate plate to cover well bottom.     -   (i) Incubate at room temperature for 30 min.     -   (j) Wash wells four times with 100 μL 0.5×TBE, discarding the         first three washes and leaving the last wash in well, before         continuing to RCA assay.

Primers may be immobilized by other methods, e.g., as described by Devor, et al., supra.

Molecular Inversion Probe Pool

A probe pool is used to capture specific loci in a DNA sample, e.g., a cfDNA sample, and create circularized MIPs for rolling circle amplification. NIPT assays generally comprise a pool of molecular inversion probes. In preferred embodiments, a NIPT assay comprises about 5,000-10,000 molecular inversion probes.

-   -   Targeted MIPs are created to target features to be investigated         by the assay (e.g., chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, Y, and         CHR22q11.2).     -   Approximately 10,000 unique MIPs are created for each feature.     -   MIPs are mixed together to create a probe pool with each probe         at a custom concentration.         MIP Capture of cfDNA and Ligation     -   MIP Pools are added to the purified cfDNA in the following         reaction.         -   2 μL of AMPligase Buffer (10×), 1 μL of MIP Probe Pool, 16             μL of cfDNA prep, and 1 μL of AMPligase (80 units).         -   Reactions are incubated at 98° C. for 2 minutes and cooled             at 1 degree per minute until they reach 45° C., then held             for 2 hours at 45° C.             Molecular Beacon Probes             Examples of molecular beacon probes that find use in the             technology are as follows:

1) 5′ Alexa 405-CCTCAGGTGTGTAACTCGATCAGmGmAmGmG- dabcyl 3′ 2) 5′ Alexa 488-CC TCA ATG CTG CTG CTG TAC TAC   mGmAmG mG-dabcyl 3′ 3) 5′ Alexa 594-CCTCAGGTGTGTAACTCGATCAGmGmAmGmG- BHQ2 3′ 4) 5′ Alexa 647-CCTCAGCGCTGCCTATTCGAACTmGmAmGmG- BHQ2 3′ 5) 5′ Alexa 750-CCTCAGGTGTGTAACTCGATCAGmGmAmGmG- BHQ3 3′ Standard Rolling Circle Amplification Assay Conditions

-   -   For a 100 μL RCA solution, combine on ice         -   MIP probe-target DNA preparation (e.g., entire MIP             capture/cfDNA preparation described above, approximately 20             μL)         -   10 μL of 10×Phi29 Buffer for a 1× final concentration             1×Phi29 DNA Polymerase Reaction Buffer             -   50 mM Tris-HCl             -   10 mM MgCl₂             -   10 mM (NH₄)₂SO₄             -   4 mM DTT             -   (pH 7.5 @ 25° C.)         -   200 μM dNTPs         -   5 units of Phi29 DNA polymerase         -   100 nM Beacon probe         -   molecular-grade water to 100 μL     -   Incubate 30° C. to 37° C. for reaction time, e.g., 90 to 120         minutes.         Enhanced RCA (E-RCA) Conditions:     -   For a 100 μL Enhanced RCA solution, combine on ice         -   MIP probe-target DNA preparation (e.g., entire MIP             capture/cfDNA preparation described above, approximately 20             μL);         -   10 μL of 10×Phi29 Buffer for a 1× final concentration         -   800 μM dNTPs         -   80 units of Phi29 DNA polymerase         -   1000 nM Beacon probe         -   molecular-grade water to 100 μL     -   Incubate 30° C. to 37° C. for reaction time, e.g., 90 to 120         minutes.         One-Step Enhanced Rolling Circle Amplification on a Surface

Prepare Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA) solution

-   -   For a 100 μL RCA solution, combine on ice         -   MIP probe-target DNA preparation (e.g., entire MIP             capture/cfDNA preparation described above, approximately 20             μL);         -   10 μL of 10×Phi29 Buffer for a 1× final concentration             1×Phi29 DNA Polymerase Reaction Buffer             -   50 mM Tris-HCl             -   10 mM MgCl₂             -   10 mM (NH₄)₂SO₄             -   4 mM DTT             -   (pH 7.5 @ 25° C.)         -   4 μL of 10 mM dNTPs, for a 0.4 mM total dNTPs final             concentration;         -   50 μL of filtered 30% PEG 600;         -   0.5 μL of 100 μM Molecular Beacon for a final concentration             of 0.5 μM         -   8 μL of Phi29 polymerase (10 units/μL); and         -   22.5 μL of molecular-grade water     -   Mix solution, e.g., by vortexing, and pipet onto treated glass         surface comprising bound primers, then seal plate;     -   Incubate plate on flat bottom heat block of a thermomixer with a         thermo-lid, at 45° C. for 90 minutes;     -   Remove well contents and wash well two times with 100 μL of         1×TBS; discard wash solution;     -   Add 100 μL of 1×TBS, and image in microscope, as described         below.         Imaging Samples with IXM4 Microscope (Molecular Devices, San         Jose, Calif.)         Typically, 20×, 40×, or 60× objectives are used to capture         images.

Plates are placed in a IXM4 microscope and imaged as follows:

-   -   Plates are auto-exposed to ensure a broad dynamic range (maximum         range of the camera used such as 16-bit images) in the         fluorescence intensity values.     -   Each well of the plate is sub-divided into approximately 100         images.         For high-throughput assays, automated microscopes may be used.         Image Analysis

Images are analyzed as follows:

-   -   Relative fluorescence intensity was determined in images         containing no sample (negative control).     -   A threshold was determined by multiplying the average relative         fluorescent intensity from the negative control by three.     -   Spots above the threshold are counted in each channel.         Variations on One-step Protocol

Crowding reagent (e.g., PEG) addition: prepare a 30% solution in molecular-grade water; filter with a 0.2 μm pore size filter. Add PEG to the RCA reaction, adjusting the water added to the RCA to maintain consistent volume.

Beacon: add desired concentration, adjusting the water added to the RCA to maintain consistent volume.

dNTPs: add desired concentration, adjusting the water added to the RCA to maintain consistent volume.

Graphene oxide: Perform a 2-step reaction, adding graphene oxide with the labeled probes, as described in Example 2.

Example 2 Detection Using Two-Step Rolling Circle Amplification on a Surface with Graphene Oxide

Prepare Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA) solution on ice:

-   -   For a 100 μL RCA solution (without molecular beacon), combine:         -   MIP probe-target DNA preparation (e.g., entire MIP             capture/cfDNA preparation described above, approximately 20             μL);             -   10 μL of 10×Phi29 Buffer for a 1× final                 concentration[1×Phi29 DNA Polymerase Reaction Buffer             -   50 mM Tris-HCl             -   10 mM MgCl₂             -   10 mM (NH₄)₂SO₄             -   4 mM DTT             -   (pH 7.5 @ 25° C.)         -   4 μL of 10 mM dNTPs, for a 0.4 mM total dNTPs final             concentration;         -   50 μL of filtered 30% PEG 600;         -   8 μL of Phi29 polymerase (10 units/μL); and         -   23 μL of molecular-grade water     -   Mix solution by vortexing and pipet onto treated glass surface,         then seal plate;     -   Incubate plate on flat bottom heat block of thermomixer with a         thermo-lid, at 45° C. for 90 minutes;     -   Remove well contents and wash well three times with 100 μL of         1×TBS; discard wash solution;     -   Add 50 μL of graphene oxide-molecular beacon solution that         comprises:         -   5 μL of 10×Phi 29 Buffer for a 1× final concentration         -   0.5 μL of 100 μM Molecular Beacon for a final concentration             of 0.5 μM         -   5 μL of 2 mg/mL graphene oxide solution for a final             concentration of 0.2 mg/mL;         -   Molecular-grade water to 50 μL     -   Incubate reaction for 60 minutes at 37° C.     -   Wash three times with 100 μL 1×TBS;     -   Wash one time with 100 μL 1×TBS containing 5% w:v Tween 20;     -   Wash two times with 100 μL of 1×TBS; discard wash solution;     -   Add 100 μL of 1×TBS, and image in microscope, as described         above.

It is readily apparent that, provided with the disclosure herein, each of the front-end target recognition systems disclosed may be configured to generate a signal detectable for use with any one of the back-end instruments and systems described above.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

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All literature and similar materials cited in this application, including the publications described in the Bibliography above, and including but not limited to patents, patent applications, articles, books, treatises, and internet web pages, are expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties for any purpose. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the various embodiments described herein belongs. When definitions of terms in incorporated references appear to differ from the definitions provided in the present teachings, the definition provided in the present teachings shall control.

Various modifications and variations of the described compositions, methods, and uses of the technology will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the technology as described. Although the technology has been described in connection with specific exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in molecular biology, molecular diagnostics, nucleic acids structure, biochemistry, medical science, or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method for counting target molecules on a solid support, comprising: a) forming at least one complex comprising an oligonucleotide primer hybridized to a circularized nucleic acid probe, wherein the primer is bound to a surface on a solid support; b) detecting formation of the at least one complex in a process comprising: i) extending the primer in the complex in a rolling circle amplification (RCA) reaction to form RCA product, wherein forming the RCA product comprises extending the primer bound to the surface on the solid support on a circularized nucleic acid probe in a reaction mixture comprising: at least 0.2 units per μL of Phi29 DNA polymerase; a buffer; at least 400 μM total dNTPs; and at least 12% PEG, wherein the PEG has an average molecular weight between 400 and 800; ii) hybridizing a plurality of labeled probes to the RCA product; and iii) detecting hybridized labeled probe; wherein hybridized labeled probe is indicative of the presence of the target molecule on the solid support.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the surface on the solid support comprises a silanized surface comprising glass.
 3. The method of claim 1, comprising: a) providing a silanized surface on the solid support comprising reactive groups; b) forming a plurality of complexes on the silanized surface, the plurality of complexes comprising at least one of: an RCA product comprising a plurality of hybridized labeled probes; a double-stranded scaffold product comprising a plurality of concatemerized labeled scaffold oligonucleotides; wherein formation of a complex is indicative of the presence of a target molecule on the silanized surface of the solid support; and c) counting the plurality of complexes.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the reactive groups comprise one or more of: acrylic groups; reactive amine groups.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the silanized surface comprises a glass surface treated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane or 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the primer is bound directly to the surface on the solid support, wherein: i) the primer is covalently linked to the surface on the solid support; or ii) the primer comprises a biotin moiety and the surface on the solid support comprises avidin or streptavidin.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the target molecule comprises nucleic acid.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the nucleic acid comprises DNA from a sample from a subject, preferably a blood or blood product sample.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein hybridizing labeled probes to the RCA product comprises forming the RCA product in a reaction mixture that further comprises more than 100 nM labeled probe.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of RCA products hybridized to labeled probes are immobilized on the surface of the solid support in a dispersal, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of the RCA products are individually detectable by detection of the labels.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the dispersal of RCA products is irregular.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one labeled probe comprises a fluorescent label, and wherein detecting or counting comprises detecting fluorescence.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of RCA products are hybridized to labeled probes that all comprise the same label.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein detecting fluorescence comprises fluorescence microscopy.
 15. A composition comprising a silanized surface on a solid support bound to a plurality of complexes, each comprising an oligonucleotide primer hybridized to a circularized nucleic acid probe, wherein the primer is bound to the solid support, wherein: i) the primer is covalently linked to the silanized surface; or ii) the primer comprises a biotin moiety and the silanized surface comprises avidin or streptavidin, and a reaction mixture comprising at least 0.2 units of Phi29 DNA polymerase; a buffer; at least 400 μM total dNTPs; at least 12% PEG, wherein the PEG has an average molecular weight between 400 and
 800. 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the reaction mixture further comprises at least 100 nM labeled probe, wherein the labeled probe comprises a fluorescent label.
 17. The composition of claim 15, wherein the primers are bound to the solid support in an irregular dispersal.
 18. The composition of claim 15, wherein the PEG has an average molecular weight of
 600. 19. The composition of claim 15, wherein the composition comprises at least 16% (w:v) PEG.
 20. The composition of claim 15, wherein the composition comprises at least 18% (w:v) PEG.
 21. The composition of claim 15, wherein the composition comprises at least 20% (w:v) PEG. 